Drug driver fined and put off road for a year
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A MOTORIST was fined and disqualified from driving after being found to be under the influence of cannabis at a checkpoint in Carlow. Liam Dennehy (44), of Newpark Close, Kilkenny appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy at Carlow District Court charged with section 3 possession under the and section 4(1)(a), driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
The court heard that on 12 April 2024 at 9.50pm, Garda Cillian Mohally was conducting a checkpoint at Ballinacarrig Road, Carlow, when he stopped a Ford Mondeo driven by Mr Dennehy. When Garda Mohally asked the defendant to roll down his window, he detected “a strong smell of suspected cannabis”. He observed that Mr Dennehy’s eyes were bloodshot and glazed over.
The defendant was asked to provide a specimen of oral fluid, which came back positive for cannabis.
After determining that Mr Dennehy was intoxicated to such an extent as being incapable of being in proper control of a vehicle, Garda Mohally arrested and cautioned him.
The court was told that the defendant had four previous convictions, the most recent of which dated back to November 2021.
Defending solicitor Joe Farrell said in mitigation that his client had family commitments and was the primary carer of children. He added that his licence was very important to him.
Judge Carthy convicted Mr Dennehy under section 4(1)(a), fining him €500 with 120 days to pay and disqualifying him from driving for one year.
