Man found with drugs in Longford Garda Station given benefit of probation act

A man who was found with drugs in Longford Garda Station has been given the benefit of the probation act.

Laurence Connolly (40) of Carn Ard, Circular Road, Galway pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the offence on November 10, 2024.

Garda Declan O'Grady said he was on duty when he arrested the defendant for being intoxicated in a public place and he was brought to Longford Garda Station.

The officer stated during a search drugs  to the value of €50 and a small bag was found in his possession.

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Garda O'Grady said as a result of the man being intoxicated in a public place Mr Connolly was charged and the substance found in the bag was sent off to Forensic Science Ireland for testing.

Garda O'Grady said on December 3, 2024 the defendant received a peace bond for 12-months and on March 10, 2025 he received a letter from FSI confirming that the substance in the bag had been confirmed as ketamine with a street value of €20.

Mr Connolly was subsequently charged with that offence.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, said he was hopeful there had been no issues since the peace bond had been signed and Garda O'Grady said there had been no further offending.

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Judge Bernadette Owens considered the circumstances, including the defendant's guilty plea and his lack of previous convictions  and she decided to apply the probation act.