Man used drugs as painkillers, court hears
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN who pleaded guilty to possessing controlled drugs received a suspended prison sentence recently.
Solicitor Joe Farrell, representing Gary Costigan (27), Brockna, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, said that his client experienced pain and had used the drugs as strong painkillers. However, Mr Farrell said his client was aware that drug misuse is a problem and that he would receive a conviction.
A sitting of Carlow District Court heard a probation report assessed Mr Costigan at a medium risk of reoffending over the next year because of his limited structured activities and previous substance misuse. The defendant has 14 previous convictions, 13 of which were for road traffic incidents.
In asking the court to avoid a custodial sentence, Mr Farrell noted that his client was “very grateful” on a previous occasion where he was allowed to engage with the probation service.
Judge Carthy handed down a suspended six-month prison sentence and directed Mr Costigan to engage with the probation services and do offence-focused work.
