Redcastle plasterer (38) caught with drugs is fined a total of €900 in court

An Inishowen man who had illegal substances on him when gardai carried out a search last summer has been convicted and fined a total of €900.

James Toner, of Carrickmacquigley, Redcastle, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, at Carndonagh District Court.

The court heard how the 38-year-old plasterer with multiple previous convictions “had a problem” with substance abuse, but has since cleaned up his act and is working full-time.

Sergeant Conor Mulkerns summarised the evidence against Mr Toner, including how the offence came to light on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Detective Garda Jason Conroy was on mobile patrol at Carrowreagh Road, Carndonagh, at 8.20pm that evening, when he observed a vehicle, which was brought to his attention.

He spoke with the driver of the vehicle, who gave his name as James Toner.

Over the course of the conversation, Det Garda Conroy decided to search Mr Toner under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

During the search, Mr Toner handed over a small amount of cannabis to the value of €30, and two small ziplocked bags which contained another illegal substance to the value of €60.

Sgt Mulkerns outlined how the defendant had 21 previous convictions, including having drugs for the purpose of sale or supply, possession of drugs, criminal damage, dangerous driving and disorderly conduct.

Solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn told Judge Emile Daly that his client is attempting to rebuild his life, having had past difficulties.

“He had a problem with drugs, and he is trying to address his problem. He has stopped using since the last time he was caught, and hopefully that’ll be the lesson he needed.”

“My client is a 38-year-old who lives at home with his parents. He’s now working full-time in Cork as a plasterer and he travels up and down at weekends. He travelled up from Cork to deal with this case at a cost of €300.”

Mr MacLochlainn further told the judge that Mr Toner, who earns approximately €750 per week as a plasterer, had entered an early guilty plea, thereby sparing additional State resources in the case.

Judge Daly convicted and fined him €300 for possession of cannabis, and an additional €600 for possession of the other illegal substance.

The Redcastle man has been given a deadline of four months to pay the €900 total.