Drug-free Offaly man escapes activation of three-month jail sentence

A MAN escaped the activation of a prison sentence after Tullamore District Court was told he continues to be free of drugs.

Judge Andrew Cody was told by solicitor Aisling Maloney that her client Jason O'Connor (31), Chancery Close, Tullamore has been “fully clean” of drugs for eight-and-a-half weeks.

The prosecution re-entered a previous conviction against Mr O'Connor for which a suspended sentence of three months had been imposed.

The sentence was suspended on condition of good behaviour but Mr O'Connor was subsequently convicted of the possession of cannabis in Tullamore on November 12 last year and that triggered the possible activation of the jail term.

Ms Maloney said Mr O'Connor had leaned heavily on cannabis following the death of his mother but he had come off drugs after a struggle and had an appointment with a GP.

The solicitor said the man was also a carer for his father and was helping his sister.

“He's very proud of his drug-free status,” said Ms Maloney.

Judge Cody put the application for the activation of the prison sentence back to March 24 next year on condition Mr O'Connor provide clear urine tests each month until February next.

Tullamore District Court previously heard the value of the cannabis which Mr O'Connor had in November 2025 was €40 but he was drug-free, was dealing with his addiction himself and would attend the Community Alcohol and Drugs Service (CADS).

He was fined €200 for and a one-month sentence, suspended for six months on condition he be of good behaviour and attend CADS, was also imposed.

(Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme)