A young Waterford woman was recently given the chance to avoid a drug conviction by making a donation to charity.
Tamzin Kerr (20) of 46 St Catherine’s Grange, Waterford, appeared before Judge Peter White at a sitting of Waterford District Court in February, charged with possession of a controlled drug (namely cannabis) for personal use, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977. This related to an incident where a car she was a passenger in was stopped by Gardaí over two years ago.
The court was told that on 28 January, 2024, Gardaí were operating a checkpoint in Dunmore East when they encountered a car that had a smell of cannabis emanating from it. The accused was a passenger in the car, and after a search, Garda members found €220 worth of cannabis in her possession. She subsequently admitted to possessing the drugs for personal use. It was also noted that she has no previous convictions.
Acting for the accused, solicitor Ken Cunningham said that his client is a young woman, is working full time at the moment, and was “anxious to avoid a conviction.”
Judge White stated that for a first-time drugs offence, the penalty can usually be a fine not exceeding €1,000.
The Judge invited the accused to make a €400 donation to the children’s charity Barnardos, adding that if this is completed before 16 April next, the matter will be struck out.
However, if the donation is not made before that date, Judge White warned the accused that she would receive a conviction and a €500 fine.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
