Man was served with five bench warrants in a year
Castlebar District Court heard that the defendant has 12 previous convictions.
A Hollymount man with multiple previous convictions has been jailed for motoring offences.
Dean Leonard, aged 27, of Frenchgrove, Hollymount, pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to drug driving and driving without insurance.
The court heard that gardaí were patrolling the N17 near Claremorris at 4.50pm on May 27 last when they observed an untaxed vehicle. They stopped it and carried out a roadside drug test on the driver Dean Leonard. The test gave a positive reading for cocaine and cannabis.
Leonard was arrested and conveyed to Claremorris Garda Station where a blood sample revealed a level of cannabis over the specified limits. The defendant failed to produce a certificate of insurance or exemption within the designated period. He has 12 previous convictions Solicitor Cathy McDarby said her client fell back into alcohol and drugs after getting his life in order. He is due to start a new job.
Judge Fiona Lydon said she was concerned about Leonard’s previous convictions, which included possession of drugs, and the fact that he was issued with five bench warrants in 2019 and one in 2023. She imposed a four-month jail term, a six-year driving ban and fines totalling €1,000.
