Drug use is now 'normalised' in Mayo, says district judge
Judge Fiona Lydon said the job of the courts is to try to rehabilitate drug users.
A district court judge believes drug use has become "normalised" in communities in Mayo.
Judge Fiona Lydon made her comments at Castlebar District Court last week after a man pleaded guilty to cocaine possession. Paul Hoban, of Brockagh, Newport, was found with cocaine valued at €31.50 when a vehicle was stopped at Carrowbeg, Castlebar Road, Westport, on November 19, 2022.
During a previous appearance last October, Judge Lydon directed Hoban to complete the Prime for Life drugs awareness programme and she requested a Probation Report.
Solicitor Cathy McDarby said her client was found to be at low risk of reoffending but is still not clear of drugs. Hoban wants to go back to college and complete an engineering or plumbing apprenticeship. He has reconciled with his parents and is being supported by them.
“He was working as a barman but felt the anti-social hours and the drinking he was doing after hours was not conducive to improving his lifestyle,” she added.
Ms McDarby said “drug use is now so normalised" among young people "it is frightening”.
Judge Lydon agreed that it is a notable societal problem in the county.
“I understand that it is so normalised now in communities in Mayo. However, our role and the role of the Probation Service is to do our best when they come before the courts to give them the support and rehabilitate them,” she added.
Judge Lydon placed Hoban on a probation bond for one year and ordered him to engage with the Probation Service and complete any recommended counselling or drug testing.
