'Borderline' Longford drug-driver came to Garda attention by driving at 'excessive speed'

A Longford resident, who was detected drug driving last year has been disqualified for one year and fined.

Gift Osabuehien (23) of Mostrim Oaks, Edgeworthstown, county Longford pleaded guilty to drug driving at Auburn Court, Edgeworthstown on May 12, 2024.

Sgt Shane Kelleher, court presenter, said Gardaí were conducting a checkpoint at 1.50pm when they stopped the defendant after observing he was driving at 'excessive speed'.

"From speaking to the defendant it was observed that his eyes were glassy and his speech was slurred."

Sgt Kelleher said a roadside oral fluid test was carried out which returned a positive result for drugs.

Mr Osabuehien had five previous convictions.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said his client is a young man and he described the positive test result for drugs as being 'borderline'.

"He is working full-time in Castlepollard and he was travelling to a friend's house at the time. He was cooperative [with Gardaí]."

Mr Quinn handed in a work reference for his client and he asked for the mandatory disqualification to be deferred until next January so he is able to continue with his employment and make alternative transport arrangements.

Judge Bernadette Owens considered the case and she decided to convict Mr Osabuehien and impose a one year driving ban along with a €500 fine with six months to pay.

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