Judge’s misgivings about drug user
Judge Eoin Garavan.
A man has admitted dealing cannabis to pay off a drug debt.
Edward Coyne, aged 40, of Lough Mask Road, Ballinrobe, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to the offence.
Gda Darragh Devine told the court that officers searched Coyne's former home at Brewery Court, Ballinrobe on June 2, 2021. Green plant material and a weighing scales were discovered. Cannabis weighing over 300g with an estimated value of €6,086 was seized.
Coyne made full admissions and said he had a €2,100 drug debt. He has 39 previous convictions. Coyne claims to be drug-free for three years and alcohol-free for eight.
However, Judge Eoin Garavan expressed concern about Coyne's drug-free status citing a recent drug-driving conviction.
The defendant claimed that he had inadvertently consumed a jelly which he did not know contained cannabis. He said he ate the jelly after finding it in his car.
Judge Garavan said he had misgivings about the "stray jelly". There was no evidence before the court to prove that Coyne is clean of drugs.
The judge said he wanted to see hair follicle testing carried out before finalising the case.
The matter was adjourned until February 17, 2026.
