A JUDGE told a Ballineen man caught with cocaine that he presented as ‘very pale’ in court. Judge Joanne Carroll made the comment when dealing with the case of Darren O’Neill at Bandon District Court.

Mr O’Neill (24) of 14 Riverview Drive, Ballineen, pleaded guilty to the possession of cocaine, valued at €60 at Gaggin, Bandon on February 27th last.

The court heard that the accused has no previous convictions, while his solicitor Myra Dinneen said her client was experiencing a difficult period in his life following the death of his father.

‘He is not using the drug any more and is currently in between jobs,’ said Ms Dinneen.

She said he is training to be an electrician, while Mr O’Neill said his last job didn’t work out as it was technically difficult.

He said he would be willing to provide two urine samples when requested.

Judge Carroll said she would ask the probation service to carry out two random urine tests between now and the next court date on March 19th.

‘Cocaine is a very dangerous drug and he presents very pale this morning,’ said Judge Carroll, warning that if he develops a cocaine addiction he will never be a successful electrician as he will be spending all his money on the drug.