Uninsured Longford drug driver hit with two year disqualification

An uninsured Longford town motorist, who was caught drug-driving and with drugs in his car, has been banned for two years.

Francis McDonagh (43) of Cahanagh Cross, Drumlish Road pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to drug driving and being in possession of drugs at Ballyminion, Longford on September 20, 2024.

Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí were conducting a checkpoint in the area at 5.50pm when Garda Alan Doherty stopped a vehicle being driven by the defendant and he spoke to him and noticed a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the vehicle.

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"Subsequently a search under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act was carried out and that search was positive for cannabis herb."

The defendant undertook a roadside drug test which was positive for cannabis and he was arrested where a blood test showed he exceeded the drug-driving limit for cannabis.

A demand was made to Mr McDonagh to produce his insurance and driving licence at a Garda station but he failed to do so.
Mr McDonagh had 61 previous convictions, including six previous convictions for driving without insurance.

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Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said his client, a groundworker, had been returning from work when this incident occurred and Judge Bernadette Owens stated that raised a 'whole lot of concerns'.

Mr Quinn stated Mr McDonagh, a groundworker, had been getting a lift to work with a friend but unfortunately that friend lost his job and hence he took his mother's car out.

"He took the risk, foolishly, and he will pay the price for it now with disqualification, but he was cooperative with Gardaí and he would not be known really for road traffic offences, mainly public order."

Judge Owens disqualified Mr McDonagh from driving for two years and she handed down a €500 fine with five months to pay for the drug-driving matter and €200 for driving without insurance