Longford town drug driver was tested after being detected speeding

A Longford man, who came to the attention of Gardaí while speeding, has been convicted and fined for a drug driving offence.
Michael Mongan of 3 Ard na Rí, Ardnacassa pleaded guilty to drug-driving at Stonepark, Longford on May 12, 2024

Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí were conducting a speed check in that area at 6.25pm when a 2013 black Ford Mondeo was recorded travelling at 76kph in a 50kph zone.

The prosecuting officer said the vehicle was stopped and they spoke with the driver, Mr Mongan, and a roadside oral fluid test was carried out and it was positive for two different drugs.

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Sgt Daly said the defendant was subsequently arrested and he provided a blood specimen to a doctor at the garda station and the result was also positive and it exceeded the drug-driving limit.

Mr Mongan had 18 previous convictions.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said her client, an unemployed father of two, had been prescribed Diazepam and he was on honeymoon and 'he took a chance' on 'checking it out'.

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Ms Mimnagh stated Mr Mongan has asked if his mandatory one year disqualification could be postponed until September to give him an opportunity to enjoy the summer with his children.

Judge Deirdre Gearty asked Sgt Daly if he had any issue with that and he replied her had no difficulty and she agreed to the request.

Ms Mimnagh stated her client did not have a driving licence as his car was burnt before Christmas and the document was destroyed, however, she said the Gardaí may have a record of his licence.

Judge Gearty said some people do not seem to realise how long drugs stay in their system.

"It's something that people should not be doing anyways but least of all when they are driving."

She imposed a €350 fine with five months to pay and she disqualified him for one year.