Repeat offender is sent to prison
Castlebar District Court heard that the defendant has 43 previous convictions.
A father of one who was found with cocaine has been sentenced to three months in prison.
Wayne Cooney, of 7 Pearse Terrace, Westport pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to possessing the drugs on August 19, 2022.
Gda Derek Conroy said he was on patrol in Westport when he arrested the defendant in connection with a separate investigation. While Cooney was being processed at the station he put his hand into his pocket, took out a tissue paper and threw it onto the floor.
Several gardaí noticed there was a white substance in the tissue and it was seized. Tests revealed it was cocaine valued at €29.
Cooney has 43 previous convictions.
Solicitor Kathleen Henry said her client wished to apologise to the court and the gardaí for his actions on the night. He suffered a bereavement during his childhood and it had a negative impact on him. He is now the father of an 18-month-old girl.
“He is trying to move on and ensure he has contact with his child and ensure he is a better father,” she added.
Judge Fiona Lydon imposed a three-month prison term. Rcognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal.
