Burnfoot man who had €160 worth of cannabis in his car convicted of drugs possession

An Inishowen man who had €160 worth of cannabis in his car when the guards stopped him has been convicted and fined €200.

Tony Cregan, of Tooban Upper, Burnfoot, pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of drugs, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, when he appeared before Buncrana District Court.

The 28-year-old defendant indicated that he wished to represent himself during the court proceedings against him.

Judge Emile Daly pressed him: “Do you wish to be represented? I can nominate someone for you, if you wish?”

He replied: “No, I’m fine.”

Garda Sergeant Conor Mulkerns presented the State’s case against Mr Cregan.

The court heard how the cannabis was discovered on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

At 6.20pm that evening, Garda Kerry Leneghan observed a vehicle – a Northern-registered red Audi A3 – being driven suspiciously at Bridgend.

The vehicle was stopped, and the driver was identified as Mr Cregan, who was subsequently searched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

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During the search, cannabis with a value of approximately €160 was located within the vehicle.

Mr Cregan then provided a voluntary cautioned memo to the guards, in which he admitted ownership of the substance, saying it was for his own personal use.

Sgt Mulkerns further told the court that the defendant has no previous convictions.

After listening to the evidence, Judge Daly asked Mr Cregan if he wished to address her.

He said the reason he was using cannabis at the time was because he had suffered a family bereavement and was struggling with some personal health concerns.

Mr Cregan further told the judge that he’s not working at the moment, due to his health issues, and he lives at home with his parents.

Judge Daly convicted him of the offence and imposed a fine of €200, with six months to pay.

The judge explained how the relatively modest fine was in respect of a first offence for Section 3 possession; however, she warned him: “If you are back again, the court will treat it more seriously.”

“Understood,” Mr Cregan replied, before he left.