A CORK motorist has been disqualified from driving for one year after being detected drug driving near Belgooly last year.

Jordan Bullman, of 3 McDonagh Road, Ballyphenane, Cork city pleaded guilty at Bandon District Court to driving while under the influence of an intoxicant.

Sgt Eimear O’Connell told the court that at 7.09pm on May 3rd 2025 Gda Joseph Tippins was operating a checkpoint on the R600 at Ballindeenisk, Belgooly when he stopped a Silver Ford Focus being driven by the accused.

‘He had a provisional licence with L plates displayed and he had no driver accompanying him. Gda Tippins also got a strong smell of cannabis from the car and he carried out a roadside oral fluid drug test which Mr Bullman failed,’ said Sgt O’Connell.

The court heard that Mr Bullman had five previous convictions including an public order offence for using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Defence solicitor Plunkett Taaffe said his client, who works full-time as a floor layer, co-operated fully with Gda Tippins. He sought a deferral of any driving ban until June 1st so his client can make alternative arrangements for getting to and from work.

Judge Joanne Carroll asked if Mr Bullman has a problem with substance abuse as he had a previous drink-related conviction. He said he doesn’t have a drug problem while Mr Taaffe said it is more a case that his client misuses and gets into trouble.

Judge Carroll disqualified the defendant from driving for one year and postponed the commencement of the driving ban until June 1st next.

She also admitted him to a probation bond for 12 months requesting that he is to co-operate with the probation service, attend all appointments and attend for substance abuse treatment and counselling if advised.

‘You’re a young man and you are coming before the court with public order issues and substance abuse issues,’ remarked the judge.