Longford driver who was 'dishevelled' fined €500 for drug-driving

A man who has admitted drink driving has been convicted and fined.

Mateusz Czaja of 12 Lusan, Lisbrack Road, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to drug-driving at Deanscurragh , Longford on August 30, 2024.

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Sergeant Enda Daly, court presenter, said the defendant was stopped by Gardaí at 9.45am and he appeared dishevelled.
Gardaí made a requirement for the driver to undergo an oral fluid test, which produced a positive result for drugs.

Mr Labinas was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station where he provided a sample of his blood.

Sgt Daly said that sample returned a reading that exceeded the drug-driving limit for the drugs.

The court heard the defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, defending, said her client had been in a difficult situation.

“He is nine years in Ireland and he has always worked, he has never come before the courts before.”

Ms Mimnagh said her client Mr Czaja earns between €450 and €520 per week.

Ms Mimnagh said Mr Czaja supports his two children and his wife who works part time and earns a small amount.

The solicitor also asked the judge if the disqualification could be deferred for six months.

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Judge Bernadette Owens fined the defendant €500 with five months to pay and she imposed a one year disqualification and she agreed to defer the disqualification period until January 6, 2026.