A young Waterford man who was caught driving with cannabis in his system was handed a disqualification last month, as a Judge issued a warning to others considering driving after using the drug.
Ryan O’Neill (25) of Apartment 14, Block C, Mount Suir Manor, Gracedieu, Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at a sitting of Waterford District Court in February, and pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of an intoxicant, contrary to Section 4 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, 2010. This related to an incident where he was stopped by Gardaí in December 2024.
Sergeant John Phelan told the court that on 6 December, 2024, Gardaí observed a vehicle that had pulled into a parking bay at Parnell Street, Waterford. After speaking to the driver, who was identified as the accused, they became suspicious that he was under the influence of an intoxicant. Gardaí subsequently conducted a preliminary roadside drugs test, and after the accused failed this, he was arrested and brought to Waterford Garda Station.
Sgt. Phelan said that further testing conducted from a blood sample provided by the accused at the station was positive for cannabis. The Sergeant added that the accused has no previous convictions.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham highlighted that his client was pleading guilty, and did so “at an early opportunity”.
Judge Staunton acknowledged that the accused has no previous convictions, and had entered an early guilty plea. He convicted and disqualified the accused from driving for 12 months.
Handing down the penalty, the Judge issued a warning to young people, saying: “They don’t seem to realise that cannabis stays in your system for longer than alcohol”.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
