Donegal motorist disqualified for drug-driving

A west Donegal man caught drug-driving has been disqualified from driving for one year.

Kevin McGeady, of Glasserchoo, Meenlarragh, was before Letterkenny District Court.

McGeady was charged with drug-driving on February 24, 2021 at Derrylahan, Falcarragh.

Gardaí stopped a vehicle at a checkpoint and detected a strong smell of cannabis.

A blood sample taken confirmed that McGeady was driving under the influence of cannabis.

Solicitor Michael Shiel said his client, a father-of-four, takes cannabis to treat a medical condition. Mr Shiel told the court that McGeady was in the process of setting up his own business and the loss of his licence would be a ‘severe handicap.

McGeady, he said, is a career for both of his parents.

Judge Deirdre Gearty sympathised with McGeady’s medical condition.

“My hands are tied with regard to a disqualification,” Judge Gearty said. “It is not acceptable or lawful and the court cannot condone it.”

McGeady was fined €250, given five months to pay and disqualified from driving for a period of one year.