A BANDON man who had been ‘dabbling’ with cocaine has been directed to carry out 15 hours of community service and donate €150 to the court Poor Box.

Oliver Kaminski, with an address at 62 Castleoaks, Bandon pleaded guilty at Bandon District Court to possession.

Sgt Eimear O’Connell told the court that on May 13th last gardaí were operating a checkpoint on the Macroom Road in Bandon when they stopped a car in which the accused was a passenger.

‘There were three males in the car and the accused, who was in the back seat, appeared to conceal something. A search was carried out of all car occupants and Mr Kaminski handed over a bag of cocaine worth €70,’ said Sgt O’Connell.

The court heard that he has one previous conviction for drink driving for which he received a three-year ban.

Defence solicitor Plunkett Taaffe said his client, who works as a general operative, had been ‘dabbling’ with cocaine but is no longer using it.

Judge Joanne Carroll said a conviction for drugs would be significant for him and queried if he would be prepared to do 15 hours of community service.

Mr Kaminksi confirmed that he would undertake community service and told the judge he hasn’t touched the drug since that incident.

Judge Carroll directed him to carry out 15 hours of community service and donate €150 to the court Poor Box.

She adjourned the case to March 16th 2026 for proof that both directions were carried out.

‘If they are not done it will lead to a conviction and a fine of €400,’ she warned.