Cork man convicted for drug possession

A Cork man who was convicted for possession of illegal drugs under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 has been warned that he could face jail time if he offends again.

Derry Donovan, aged 36, of Tulligmore, Dripsey, Co Cork, represented himself when he appeared before Judge Joanne Carroll at a recent sitting of Macroom District Court. Court presenter Sergeant Eimear O’Connell said that Mr Donovan had admitted possession of cannabis on two occasions.

The first incident happened on August 17, 2024, when he was caught in possession of €50 worth of cannabis while sitting in a car in Dripsey. The second occasion was on October 14, 2024, when gardaí obtained a search warrant for Mr Donovan’s home in Dripsey and cannabis to the value of €80 was seized.

The court was told that Mr Donovan had 14 previous convictions, including three for simple possession and one for possession of drugs for sale or supply. 

Mr Donovan said that gardaí had searched his home three times and only found small amounts. He said he took cannabis to help with pain management and worked as a panel beater.

Judge Carroll said it was a serious matter and for three search warrants to be issued gardaí must have had good reason. She said that another conviction for possession would put Donovan at risk of going to prison.

For the incident in August he was convicted, fined €150 and given four months to pay. For the October seizure he was convicted and given a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme