Separated father admits to possession of cocaine

A judge has ordered a Ballina man to undergo hair follicle testing and complete an addiction course after he was caught with a quantity of cocaine.

Thomas Maloney, aged 27, of 6 The Oaklawn, Killala Road, pleaded guilty to being in possession of the quantity of drugs valued at €53 on November 13, 2022.

Sgt John O’Reilly said Gda Patrick Donohoe was on patrol in Ballina when he arrested the defendant in the town centre on suspicion of being in possession of drugs.

Maloney was brought to the local garda station and a bag containing white powder was subsequently found on him which he admitted was cocaine and he was arrested and charged.

The defendant has one previous conviction.

Solicitor Peter Loftus said his client is a separated father of young children who fully accepts he had the drugs and he added Maloney was fully cooperative with gardaí.

The legal representative said Maloney was no longer using drugs and Judge Fiona Lydon directed the defendant to prove that through testing that shows results for three months, and to complete the Prime for Life addiction course.

The case was subsequently adjourned until March 1, 2024.