Longford court hears drug driver who overtook line of three cars was 'foolish' and 'should have known better'

A defendant who was “a bit parsimonious with the truth” will be assessed by probation services to see if he is suitable for community service rather than a six month prison sentence.

Oliver Lennon (50) of Tullyhogan, The Pigeons, Athlone Westmeath was before the court arising from an incident on November 5. The defendant pleaded guilty to drug driving, and driving without a licence or insurance.

Sergeant Enda Daly said the matter came to Garda attention when officers in a patrol car observed a vehicle crossing over a continuous white line.

The vehicle overtook a line of three vehicles and Gardaí estimated the defendant was travelling at 100kph in a 50kph zone.

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The officers stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver, Mr Lennon. The Gardaí believed the driver had taken an intoxicant. An oral fluid swab tested positive for cannabis.

A subsequent blood test at the Garda station indicated Mr Lennon exceeded the legal limit for cannabis inhis system to drive.

The defendant also failed to produce his driving documentation. Sgt Daly said Mr Lennon had nine previous convictions, including a disqualification for dangerous driving.

Solicitor Diarmaid Quinn said his client was pleading guilty to the charges, but disputed he was travelling at the speed suggested by the prosecution. Mr Quinn told the judge the defendant last smoked cannabis days before he was stopped.

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Mr Lennon was in a rush as he was trying to get his daughter to a bus as she was going to college in Athlone. Mr Quinn said his client “should have known better” and was “foolish”.

Judge Bernadette Owens pointed out Mr Lennon had been “a bit parsimonious with the truth” because he said his licence had expired when in fact he was serving a driving ban at the time having been disqualified by the court.

The judge said she would direct a probation report, with a recommendation of 240 hours of community service in lieu of six month in prison. Judge Owens suggested as part of the probation assessment process Mr Lennon participate in a pro-social driving course.

The matter was then adjourned to April 8, 2025.