A Waterford man who is currently living in Australia but returned to Ireland to face a drug charge was given the chance to avoid a conviction.
John Flynn (27) of Ardeenlone, Kilmeaden, Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at a sitting of Waterford District Court last month, where he pleaded guilty to drug possession. This arose from an incident that occurred over three years ago in Waterford.
Inspector Eoin Doyle told the court that in the early hours of 11 December, 2022, Gardaí were on patrol at John Street, Waterford, when they encountered a man who was “unsteady on his feet.”
After speaking to the accused, Gardaí carried out a search on him and discovered cocaine to the value of €900 in his possession.
Inspector Doyle stated that the accused has no previous convictions, and that he was meeting the charge now as he emigrated to Australia shortly after the incident.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham said that his client was 22 at the time, on a night out, and had a problem with cocaine.
However, Mr. Cunningham added that following that night, the accused “realised his life here wouldn’t get him anywhere” and decided to emigrate.
The solicitor said that his client has come to no further Garda attention since then, and was able to leave Ireland as “Gardaí were not seeking him out.”
He took up station bail in July 2025, before returning to Ireland again to appear in court.
Mr. Cunningham concluded by highlighting that the accused is currently working full-time in Australia, and that his employer described him as “reliable” and an “excellent team player” in a reference letter.
He asked Judge Staunton if his client could be “given a chance” given his ‘exceptional’ circumstances.
Judge Staunton said that the accused is “clearly a hardworking man” who has “put this behind him” and that he should be ‘commended’ for the life he has built in Australia.
The Judge acknowledged the length of time that has passed since the incident took place in 2022.
Judge Staunton decided to invite the accused to make a donation of €1,200 to the court poor box, indicating that the matter would be struck out if this was completed before 2 March. It was later struck out after the donation was made.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
