Longford gardaí discover two bags of drugs following search of car

A judge has requested that a probation report is compiled on a young woman who was found with two bags of drugs worth a total of €500 in her car earlier this year and the defendant will now be assessed to consider her suitability for voluntary work.

Rachel Donlon of Church View, Lanesboro, county Longford pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to being in possession of two separate bags of the drugs in her vehicle at Rappareehill, Lanesboro on July 20, 2024.

Garda Sergeant Mark Mahon, court presenter, said that Garda David Gerrity was on patrol when he stopped the vehicle and he carried out a search of the car.

The court heard Garda Gerrity subsequently discovered two bags of drugs worth a total of  €500 inside the vehicle.

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Ms Donlon had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Michelle Reynolds said her client, who is now 22 years of age, was 21 at the time of the offence and her social circle at that time was different.

"She was associating with certain people at that time who she no longer associates with.

“She has now moved on from this type of activity."

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Ms Reynolds said her client accepted the charges and she was due to start a role as a trainee hairdresser in the near future and she is keen to commence that role.

Ms Reynolds also made a recommendation to Judge Bernadette Owens. "I believe she would benefit from engaging with the probation service and I would ask the court to consider that."

Judge Bernadette Owens noted Ms Donlon's lack of previous convictions and her unblemished record up to now as she considered the case.

Judge Owens decided to request a probation report with a restorative justice element which would explore the possibility of Ms Donlon completing voluntary work and giving something back to the community.

The probation services will now  assess her suitability for the work and report back to Judge Owens in due course.

The case was subsequently adjourned until January 13, 2026.

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