Portlaoise Court: Man whose new job requires Garda vetting escapes drug conviction
The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court. File image
A MAN asked Portlaoise District Court to deal with his case promptly, saying he was due to begin a new job within two days that needed garda vetting for the role.
Thomas Hall (45), Russell Crescent, Russell Square, Tallaght, Dublin 24 was before the court summonsed with possessing 11 grams or €220 worth of cannabis herb for his own use, when gardaí stopped and searched him at The Gandon Inn, Emo on 22 March.
Asked by Judge Andrew Cody whether he had obtained legal advice ahead of his court appearance, Mr Hall replied: “I didn’t get legal advice. I’m pleading guilty.”
Garda Sgt Hughes said the defendant had no previous convictions.
Mr Hall was asked by Judge Cody if he wanted to say anything in his defence, to which he replied: “It was for me own for personal smoke. I’m starting a job on Wednesday that requires garda vetting. I have €150 for the court poor box and I’m hoping you’ll wrap this up today.”
“€150 won’t wrap this up,” said Judge Cody.
Asking to adjourn the case to a second calling, Mr Hall told Judge Cody: “I’ll see if I can rustle up a few more bob.”
Judge Cody agreed to give him more time to come up with more money.
When the case resumed in the afternoon and Mr Hall agreed to donate €500 to the court poor box, the judge struck out the summons against him, leaving him with a clean record.
