‘Your future is in your own hands’

A MAN found in possession of cannabis and a knuckleduster in Carlow town has been given the benefit of a probation report.

Nathan Maher, 24 Burrin Street, Carlow appeared before Carlow District Court on 5 November, charged with possession of drugs contrary to section 3 of the ***Misuse of Drugs Act*** and possession of an offensive weapon contrary to section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

The court heard that on 16 January 2024, gardaí observed a male acting suspiciously on Hanover Road, Carlow town. There was a strong smell of cannabis in the vicinity.

Mr Maher (23) was searched under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and a cannabis joint and knuckle duster were found in his possession.

The defendant has no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor John O’Sullivan noted that Inspector Tom Jones had “given evidence most fairly”, adding that he was happy to hand in a report.

Judge Geraldine Carthy subsequently ordered a probation report to be ready for February 2026.

“I’m going to give you the benefit of a probation report. Your future is in your own hands,” Judge Carthy told Mr Maher.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme