Galway man on drugs possession charge spotted by police after consuming on street
Police were told he was staying at a hotel and went to locate him but were unable to at the time before finding him on the street
A 30-year-old Galway man has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court charged with theft, and possession of Class A drugs.
Michael Mongan, who was residing in the Holiday Inn but has an address in Galway, was initially reported to have stolen items valued at £172 from O'Neill's on June 12.
Police were told he was staying at the Holiday Inn and went to locate him but were unable to at the time.
The court was told that, while out on patrol on June 26, police spotted Mongan consuming drugs.
Upon searching, they found a small bag of Class A and, when he was interviewed, he admitted that the drugs were for personal use.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that the theft was 'straight forward' and that Mongan had pleaded guilty to the charge at the earliest opportunity.
He said that Mongan had moved from Galway with his brother a few weeks ago and had 'limited roots' in this jurisdiction.
He was given a twelve-month conditional discharge for the theft and ordered to repay the £172 and given a fine of £200 for the drugs.