Judge worries about increased drug use in Inishowen, as defendant ‘given a chance’

A Bridgend man who had three small bags of drugs in his wallet when he was stopped at a Garda checkpoint will escape a criminal conviction if he donates €1,000 to charity.

Justin Doherty, of 13 Bonemaine, Bridgend, pleaded guilty to a drugs possession charge, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, when he appeared before Buncrana District Court.

Sergeant Conor Mulkerns presented the evidence against the 26-year-old defendant.

He explained how Garda Keith Conlon had been operating a checkpoint at Bonemaine, Bridgend, on Saturday, August 2, 2025, when the offence was detected.

Garda Conlon stopped a vehicle at the checkpoint. He detected a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle, and it was subsequently searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

During the search, Garda Conlon discovered three small bags of drugs concealed in Mr Doherty’s wallet, and he made admissions after caution that the substance was his, for his own personal use.

Sgt Mulkerns revealed how the value of the illegal substance seized was €300, while Mr Doherty has no previous convictions.

Defending the case, solicitor Rory O’Brien said his client had struggled with drugs following a death, but has since cleaned up his act.

“He’s not currently working, but had been previously working as a stone mason.”

“In relation to this matter, he cooperated fully with the gardai upon detection, and he had it for his personal use only.”

“He had gone down a relatively dark path in the aftermath of the death of a close friend. He began abusing this substance, but he tells me that he has now sobered up completely and doesn’t engage with any drug use whatsoever.”

Mr O’Brien pointed out how Mr Doherty has a previously clean record and asked the court to “give him a chance” on a first offence.

“He’s fully apologetic, and he hasn’t come to any adverse attention before or after this incident; there’s nothing pending against him. He’s an excellent young man, and perhaps the court could give him a chance.”

Judge Emile Daly said she was “very concerned” about a proliferation of drug use in Inishowen.

“I’m very concerned about the amount of drugs that are in this district. They’re appearing in drunk driving cases, drug driving cases, family law cases, and matters such as this.”

“This may be the first issue for this gentleman, but it needs to be the last. There’s a significant difference between the types of drugs that are used, and this is a serious drug to be using, particularly for a young person.”

Judge Daly then agreed to allow Mr Doherty to make a charitable donation in lieu of a conviction.

However, she said it would be a high tariff to reflect the amount of drugs he had on him.

“This was quite a significant amount for personal use, so it’ll have to be a significant donation.”

She ordered Mr Doherty to pay €1,000 to the local St Vincent de Paul within the next six months – and if he does that, then the matter will be struck out.

The judge further warned the defendant: “That’s on the basis that you don’t come to the attention of this court again; do you understand?”

“100 per cent,” Mr Doherty replied.

The case was adjourned to September 10 for production of the SVP receipt. The judge imposed a default order of a conviction and fine of €1,400 should Mr Doherty fail to comply.

Legal Aid was granted to Mr O’Brien.