A BEARA man has been told he could escape a conviction for cannabis possession if he remains drug-free and proves it by taking two random drugs tests before his case is called again in April.

Egidijus Malasevicius (46) of Faunkill, Eyeries, Beara, was found by Gda Shannon Ryan to be in possession of €200 worth of cannabis when his home was searched at teatime on May 28th last.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions told Judge Joanne Carroll at Bantry District Court that the accused has just one previous conviction, and that it was for driving with no insurance.

In his defence, Margaret Collins, solicitor, said her client is working full-time as a marine researcher.

‘He has a good job and a conviction might interfere with his employment,’ she told the court.

‘He's also prepared to give an undertaking to the court to never use the drug again.’

Judge Carroll adjourned the case to the April 23rd sitting of Bantry District Court and said that if the two random drug tests come back clear the accused could 'expect a positive outcome’.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.