Longford driver put off road for twelve months and fined €500

A father of six who was detected drug driving has been disqualified from driving for a year and fined.

Jason Farrell of 8 Garveys Close, Longford town pleaded guilty to the offence at the local district court last week.

The court heard Garda Aidan Lenehan was conducting a mandatory intoxicant checkpoint at Ballyminion, Longford on February 4, 2023 at 11.25pm when he stopped the vehicle.

Mr Farrell failed a roadside oral fluid test for drugs.

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He was subsequently arrested and a blood specimen was obtained by a doctor and the result was deemed to exceed the drug-driving limit.

Mr Farrell had two previous convictions.

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Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, asked for the disqualification to be deferred so her client, who is currently unemployed and has four children attending school, could get his affairs in order.

Judge Bernadette Owens imposed the mandatory disqualification and a €500 fine with 10 months to pay.

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