Longford District Court: Court poor box donation accepted

A young man who pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine avoided a criminal conviction when he made a payment to the court poor box.
Owen Coakley (22) of Balrath, Mullingar, Westmeath was charged with possession of cocaine.

Sergeant Conor McShane said the defendant came before the court as a result of being searched by Gardaí on February 8, 2023.
Mr Coakley was stopped on Ballymahon Street, Longford town at 11am and he was found to be in possession of cocaine to the value of €50.
Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client was entering a plea of guilty to the offence and said he recognises he “should not have been at large with cocaine in his possession”.

Mr Gearty said his client, who is employed as a barber, was accompanied to his court hearing by his parents who were supporting him. “He is of previous good character and knows he should not have had cocaine in his pocket.”

Mr Gearty said that the defendant had €350 in court. Noting that Mr Coakley had no previous convictions Judge Bernadette Owens said she would accept the donation of €350 to the court poor box and strike the matter out.