A YOUNG driver who was originally stopped by gardaí when they observed him on his mobile phone was also found to be under the influence of drugs.
Patrick Convery of Tirkane Road, Maghera, Co Derry failed to appear before Letterkenny District Court this week when his case was heard.
Garda Stephen Campbell told Tuesday’s sitting that he was on patrol at 8.40pm on July 12, 2025, between the Dry Arch and Polestar roundabout in Letterkenny, when he observed a driver holding his phone.
Such offence is contrary to Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 2006.
Garda Campbell told how when he stopped the 19-year-old, he could get a strong smell of cannabis and said Convery’s eyes were dilated.
Garda Campbell asked Convery to provide a fluid specimen for a roadside drug test which revealed the presence of cannabis and cocaine.
Garda Campbell arrested Convery and brought him to Letterkenny Garda Station.
A blood test carried out by a nurse in the station revealed there was no alcohol in his system, but confirmed the presence of both drugs.
The court heard that the matter had been before the court previously, but Convery failed to attend.
For the offence of driving under the influence of the two drugs, which is contrary to Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, Judge Emile Daly disqualified the defendant for one year and imposed a fine of €800.
In relation to driving whilst holding a mobile phone, Judge Daly imposed a fin of €400.
The Judge allowed Convery four months to pay both fines.
