A MOTORIST was found in possession of cannabis after being stopped for driving without insurance.
Dylan McAulliffe (23), of Eagles View, Banteer, Cork, pleaded guilty to charges for possession of a controlled substance, driving without insurance and driving while disqualified.
On August 3rd 2024, Gardaí stopped Mr McAuliffe in a blue Toyota Corolla in Clonakilty, Clonakilty District Court heard.
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Inquiries found the defendant had no insurance certificate and was disqualified from driving on March 28th 2024. Gardaí found he had no driving licence and subsequently seized the car
While speaking to Mr McAuliffe Gardaí found a strong smell of cannabis coming from him and then searched him.
Sgt Tom Mulcahy said Mr McAuliffe then handed over a green substance in a bag and made admissions that it was cannabis for his own personal use. Officers said the value was €260.
The court heard that Mr McAuliffe’s last conviction dated back to June 4th 2024 from Mallow Court where he was disqualified from driving for six weeks on a charge of having no insurance.
Mr McAuliffe had no previous convictions for possession of drugs, the court heard.
Defence solicitor Conrad Murphy said his client pleaded guilty in relation to all matters.
‘He was before the courts a number of times between the ages of 18 and 21. He was having a lot of difficulties with cannabis. He’s saying that he went cold turkey and is off it now for 12 months,’ Mr Murphy said.
Mr Murphy said his client made admissions immediately and said the cannabis had a value of €100. A probation report and a letter from his employer stating his positive contribution were handed to the court.
Judge Joanne Carroll ordered a further probation report, as well as two random drug samples to be provided at his own expense until the next court hearing, adjourned until April 21st.
Judge Carroll remanded Mr McAuliffe on continuing bail until the April court date and granted legal aid.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
