A man who was found in possession of cannabis has been handed a three-month suspended sentence.
Kieran Sweeney, 23, with an address at 88 Lawnsdale, Ballybofey appeared at a sitting of Letterkenny District Court yesterday morning.
The court heard in March, 2015 – Garda found the defendant in possession of cannabis and a hand grinder.
They subsequently arrested Mr Sweeney and charged him under the misuse of drugs act.
Gardaí told the court that the defendant was very co-operative and accepted responsibility for his actions.
Solicitor for the defendant Kieran Dillon told the court, “My client is 23 years old, and is currently unemployed.
“He’s had a difficult upbringing and had differences with his father growing up – he left school when he was fifteen and got a job in painting and decorating.
“In his teenage years, he became slightly depressed and started to self-medicate – at this point he started sampling and taking head shop products which escalated the situation.
“His relationship recently broke up, and he has a young son who he supports.
“He was in a bad place at the time of the incident and wants an opportunity to reform.
“Fatherhood has given him a new perspective on life and he really wants to turn his life around.
“He believes there may be an opportunity to gain an employment with his brother-in-law who runs a farm.
“He regrets the incident and really does want an opportunity to turn his life around and reform.
The court also heard he had previous convictions related to drugs.
Judge James Faughan, handed down a three-month sentence which he suspended for two years.
He ordered to defendant not to re-offend and be on good behaviour – and believed he was genuine in wanting to turn his life around.