Longford driver detected with drugs in his system four days after taking them at party

A motorist, who was detected drug-driving four days after he took the substance at a party, has received a one year driving disqualification.

Conor O'Shaughnessy, 29, of Granada View, Granard pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to drug driving at Granard View on April 15, 2024.

Garda Inspector David Jordan, court presenter, said Garda Edward Flanagan was on patrol at 9.55pm when he observed  the defendant driving a vehicle and the back left lights were not working.

The prosecuting officer said the registration plate lighting was also not operating and the officer stopped Mr O'Shaughnessy and he got a smell of drugs coming from the vehicle.

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The court heard Garda Flanagan then conducted a roadside oral fluid test and the defendant tested positive for drugs and he was arrested and conveyed to Granard Garda Station.

Insp Jordan said a blood specimen was obtained by a doctor and drugs were found to be in his system.

Mr O'Shaughnessy had no  previous road traffic related convictions.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said his client took the drugs four days prior to his detection at a party.

"He accepts he was wrong and he is entering a plea on that basis," he added.

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Mr Quinn said his client, a father of two children, had to regularly bring family members to medical appointments and a disqualification would have a significant impact and he applied for a postponement.

Judge Bernadette Owens agreed to defer the 12-month ban  until October 1 and fined him €500 with 10 months to pay.

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