Longford District Court hears drug driver took cannabis the previous day

A man convicted of a drug driving offence in county Longford has been disqualified from driving for one year and fined.
David Burke of Bumlin, Strokestown pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the offence on May 30, 2024.
Sergeant Enda Daly said Sergeant Garry Newton was carrying out a checkpoint at Mullolagher, county Longford when he stopped the defendant driving a vehicle at 9.20am.

The court heard Mr Burke "appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicant" and he subsequently provided an oral fluid sample which tested positive for cannabis.
The defendant, a father of two, was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station where a blood test reading exceeded the drug-driving limit.
Mr Burke had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client is otherwise a man of excellent character who works as a project manager and he contributes to society.
"His job involves having a tremendous capacity for language," he added.
Mr Gearty stated Mr Burke had suffered some bereavements and he got into the habit of taking cannabis and the amount detected was at the 'lowest end'.

"He had taken the substance the previous day but it was still sufficiently in his system," he said. "He has learnt a very big lesson,” Mr Gearty added.
Judge Bernadette Owens imposed the mandatory 12-month driving ban on Mr Burke and she fined him €500 with five months to pay.