A man was convicted and fined €200  for possessing cannabis valued at €50.

David Mackey, of Kilbolane, Milford, Cork, pleaded guilty to the drug possession charge at Clonakilty District Court.

The court heard that during a roadside check on November 29th 2024 at around 10pm in Clonakilty, gardaí noticed the smell of cannabis coming from the car Mr Roche was driving.

Gardaí searched the accused and the female passenger in the car, finding a small bag of cannabis along with a grinder in the woman’s possession.

Mr Mackey admitted the cannabis was his. ‘The reason she gave for having the cannabis was that his pocket was wet because he had spilt Lucozade on it,’ said Sgt Tom Mulcahy.

The court heard that this was Mackey’s first drugs-related charge. Defence solicitor Conrad Murphy said: ‘There was some question as to whether the cannabis was his or not. He has not smoked cannabis for five to six years. It was on an irregular basis.’

Mr Murphy added that his client had been in a relationship with the woman searched who was expecting his child this month.

Mr Mackey had had some alcohol and relationship issues, which he had put behind him, the court heard.

Judge John King applied the Probation Act in relation to the cannabis charge, ordering a fine of €200 with two months to pay. Judge King also ordered the cannabis to be destroyed and granted free legal aid.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.