Prison sentence for Offaly man who said he drove uninsured to get medication for his mother

A man who appeared in court in Tullamore on charges of driving without a driving licence or insurance and with being in possession of drugs was handed down a prison term at last week's district court.

The court heard that on April 9 last, a vehicle driven by Darren Murphy, Arden View, Tullamore was acting suspiciously at Kilcruttin, Tullamore. It was stopped by Gardai. Drugs worth €470 were discovered in the car. Mr Murphy admitted they were for his own use.

Mr Murphy had 42 previous convictions, 23 were for road traffic offences, but he also had previous convictions for trespass and drugs.

He had previously received a three month suspended sentence and a 10 year disqualification.

Mr Murphy's solicitor said his client was the sole carer for his mother who was undergoing cancer treatment at the time. On the day in question she was in extreme pain. She had made a number of attempts to get someone to collect her medication.

Mr Murphy eventually said ''I can't put up with this,'' and he had gone for the medication himself. He shouldn't have. It was honourable but misguided, said his solicitor.

Judge Andrew Cody said he needed evidence and asked if Mr Murphy had a receipt. The judge was told Mr Murphy didn't get to the pharmacy as he was stopped on his way.

He asked how long it would take to get from Arden View to the pharmacy, he was told about 20 minutes.

Judge Cody described it as a 'cock and bull' story, saying that Mr Murphy could have walked from Arden View to the pharmacy.

In relation to the drugs, Mr Murphy's solicitor said his client didn't have money to pay for it and was in debt to people.
He is incredibly ashamed and admits guilt.

His mother needs him. He has had a troubled background. His girlfriend owns the car.

Judge Cody imposed four months for driving without insurance, three months for the drugs offence to run concurrent. He took into consideration the offence of driving without a licence.

Mr Murphy entered an appeal for the sentence which was entered into on his own bond of €300 and a cash lodgement of €150.

The judge ordered the destruction of the drugs.

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