Offaly man smoking cannabis 'began to run' from garda to avoid search
Tullamore District Court hears €800 worth of drug found as 'clean' 22-year-old from Edenderry set to undergo monthly urine tests
A MAN seen smoking cannabis “immediately began to run” when a garda told him he was going to be searched.
Tullamore District Court was told by defending solicitor Aisling Maloney that her client Dylan Cole (22), Killane, Edenderry was pleading guilty to possessing cannabis and obstructing a garda at Killane Drive, Edenderry on July 1 last.
Sergeant Richard Thornton told Judge Andrew Cody that Garda John McCrossan observed Mr Cole coming from his home address and noticed he appeared to be smoking cannabis.
When Garda McCrossan informed him he was going to be searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act he “immediately began to run” and discarded a package.
The value of cannabis seized was €800 and Mr Cole had no previous convictions.
Ms Maloney said that while her client was partaking in cannabis at the time of the offence he was no longer doing so and was “absolutely clean now”.
The solicitor said Mr Cole would welcome the opportunity to prove that and would provide clean urine tests.
Ms Maloney asked that sentencing be adjourned so that a probation report could be prepared.
Judge Cody remanded Mr Cole on continuing bail to appear in court again on February 10 next for a probation and welfare report.
He ordered the man to undergo urine tests each month from October to January at his own cost, adding: “No excuses will be accepted.”
Legal aid was granted to Mr Cole.
(Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme)