Driver caught after pursuit in Cork had over €5k of cannabis

A motorist driving erratically on Wilton Road refused to stop for gardaí and took off at speed, driving through red lights until he was stopped after 10 minutes and caught with over €5,000 worth of cannabis.

James Brennan of Lisadell estate, Maryborough Hill, Douglas, Cork, faced sentencing at Cork District Court on charges including having cannabis for sale or supply and driving when his blood tested positive for benzoylecgonine.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said the incident occurred shortly before 2am on August 2, 2022, when Garda Ryan Dillon observed a car being driven in an erratic manner on Wilton Road.

“Blue lights and siren were activated.

“He failed to stop during ten minutes of dangerous driving, including going through red traffic lights at Togher Road/Clashduv Road junction on the incorrect side,” Sgt Lyons said.

The 32-year-old was arrested and it was accepted that he panicked when he saw the gardaí, and that he co-operated from the moment of his arrest.

Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer, said the 32-year-old admitted having the cannabis for sale or supply.

“He acknowledges the pursuit — he knew he had the material in his possession and it was fear of apprehension.

“But on being apprehended he was amenable to gardaí. He was forthcoming.

“It was something of a watershed moment. It was a group activity where the cannabis was shared with friends rather than being a commercial activity,” Mr Buttimer said.

Judge Mary Dorgan said: “It is one of the better probation reports I have ever read but I am very concerned about the value of the drugs.”

The judge said she would adjourn sentencing until March 12, 2024 and that in the meantime the accused would have to provide the results of three urinalysis tests.