Two year ban for drug driver who also gave false name to Longford Gardaí

A Cavan man detected driving under the influence of cocaine, as well as giving a false name and driving without documentation, was fined €800 and banned from the road for two years at Longford District Court.
Thomas Sheridan (33) of Cloncovid, Kilcogy, Cavan was stopped by officers on October 1, 2023 at Ballymahon, St Longford. Mr Sheridan was charged with driving with a quantity of cocaine in system above the legal limit, giving a false name, and driving without licence or insurance.

Sergeant Enda Daly said at 10:45am Gardaí on patrol in Longford town saw a vehicle with its number plate unreadable because of a thick layer of dirt. The officers pulled in the car and spoke to the driver.
Initially Mr Sheridan gave a false name. The officers noted his eyes were glassy and he appeared drowsy.
The defendant gave a blood sample at Longford Garda Station and this was analysed by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety and tested positive for cocaine.

Mr Sheridan failed to provide any documents. Sg Daly said the defendant had nine previous convictions, including possession of drugs, theft and three convictions for driving without insurance.
Solicitor Brid Mimnagh explained that the incident occurred on a Sunday morning. Mr Sheridan's father had been released from hospital the previous night: “His father needed medication and couldn't drive, so my client took a chance,” Ms Mimnagh said.
The solicitor told the court the defendant has had addiction issues and spent 14 weeks in the Cuan Mhuire residential centre for detoxification: “He is now doing well, and getting the support he needs.”

Having reviewed the details of the case Judge Owens registered a conviction and imposed a fine of €400 with six months to pay for the drug driving charge, and a one year disqualification. For the no insurance charge a further fine of €400 with 10 months to pay was imposed and a disqualification for two years.

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