Man caught drug driving began smoking cannabis after split from girlfriend, Longford court hears
A young man who took to smoking cannabis after a break up with his girlfriend of 10 years was banned from the road for one year at Longford District Court.
Ben Makin (25) of 72 Clontarf Park, Clontarf, Dublin 3 pleaded guilty to a drug driving charge. The charge was that on June 27, 2021 Mr Makin drove a mechanically propelled vehicle while having excess cannabis in his system.
Sergeant Mark Mahon said that at 11:20am on the date of the offence officers operating a speed checkpoint at Edercloon, Bornacoola, Longford stopped a vehicle going at 136kph in a 100kph zone. When speaking to the driver, Mr Makin, they noted his eyes were glassy. A subsequent test for cannabis detected the presence of the drug in the defendant's blood.
Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said that her client was never in court before. Ms Mimnagh told the court Mr Makin recently completed a masters degree in science, but is not in employment at present. The solicitor said her client's ability to work would be affected by the mandatory driving ban.
Ms Mimnagh explained how the defendant got depressed after the break up of a 10 year relationship. He started smoking cannabis, but has realised this was a bad decision.
When stopped by Gardaí Mr Makin was returning to Dublin from Roscommon having stayed with a friend. On the morning of the offence he was in a rush because he was late for work.
Judge Bernadette Owens recorded a conviction and imposed a fine of €350 years and disqualified Mr Makin from driving for one year.