A Letterkenny resident, Jay Walsh, faced drug charges in Letterkenny District Court after a traffic stop for failing to signal led to the discovery of over €1,500 worth of drugs at his home.
Walsh, 31, of The Maples, Letterkenny, was fined €750.
The incident began on February 6, 2021, at 11:50 am when gardai on mobile patrol stopped Walsh, who was driving a Toyota Auris.
The stop occurred on New Line Road, Letterkenny, after Walsh failed to indicate while exiting a roundabout.
Following the traffic stop, Walsh was taken to Letterkenny Garda Station where a search revealed €100 of cocaine on his person. Sergeant Jim Collins testified that Walsh cooperated fully, admitting the drugs were for personal use.
Subsequently, gardai obtained a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act and searched Walsh’s residence at The Maples, Letterkenny.
During the search, detectives discovered 77.7 grams of cannabis, with an estimated value of €1,554. Walsh claimed, and Sergeant Collins confirmed, that these drugs were also for personal consumption.
“At all times, he said it was for his own use,” Sergeant Collins reiterated to the court.
Judge Cunningham acknowledged the significant value of the drugs but noted the absence of corroborating evidence, such as visitor traffic to the home or incriminating information on Walsh’s phone.
“The Court accepts that it can rely on the amount,” Judge Cunningham stated, “but only if satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that it was for sale or supply.”
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham ultimately dismissed the charge of possession for the purpose of sale or supply, emphasizing that Walsh was “unwavering” in his assertion that the drugs were for his own personal use.
The court was informed that Walsh had two prior convictions for drug possession, for which he had previously received the benefit of the Probation Act.
Walsh’s solicitor, Mr. Frank Dorrian, stated that his client had taken steps to address his previous lifestyle.
“He is receiving counselling and he tells me that he is no longer addicted,” Mr. Dorrian explained.
Mr. Dorrian added that Walsh is now engaged in “more healthy pursuits” and doing so “with great enthusiasm.”
Judge Cunningham took into account Walsh’s prior convictions and emphasized the need to consider the quantity of drugs involved when delivering her judgment.
Walsh was convicted and fined €750, with five months given to pay the fine.
Letterkenny man said €1,500 of drugs was for his own use was last modified: July 5th, 2025 by
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