Leighlinbridge man convicted of drugs possession
Carlow courthouse Photo: Michael O'Rourke
A MAN was convicted, fined and given a suspended sentence at Carlow District Court on 9 July after cannabis and drug paraphernalia were discovered when gardaí executed a search warrant on his home.
Craig Lawlor (26) of 9 Conicare, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow pleaded guilty to drug possession and the possession of drugs for unlawful sale or supply. The court heard how gardaí were granted a search warrant for Mr Lawlor’s home and found cannabis to the value of €260 and cocaine digital weighing scales. Mr Lawlor has seven previous convictions.
Mr Lawlor’s defence solicitor said that one mitigation was how Mr Lawlor was attempting to turn his life around and how positive his probation report was. Additionally, he said that Mr Lawlor’s honesty in explaining the situation he was in regarding drug use at the time of the search warrant should be commended, along with his progress in addressing his cannabis use. The solicitor said that his client was happy to continue engaging with the services.
Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted Mr Lawlor under section 15 of the for the possession of drugs for unlawful sale or supply. Mr Lawlor was given a nine-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, on four conditions: that he attend probation appointments; engage with addiction services; complete 200 hours of community service; and tell the probation services if he changes address.
Judge Carthy also convicted Mr Lawlor under section 3 of the for possession of drugs, but chose to take that conviction into consideration.
Explaining her decision, she looked at Mr Lawlor and said: “Society can benefit from your work.”
