Student gets road ban after drug driving incident in Limerick

A STUDENT was convicted of drug driving after being stopped at a garda checkpoint in Limerick in the morning time, Newcastle West Court heard.

Luke McCormack, aged 30, with an address at Sluggary, Raheen, Limerick city pleaded guilty to the offence which took place on December 20, 2022.

Garda Leanne McCarthy said she was conducting a checkpoint on the N21 at Monearla, Adare at 11.50am.

“He failed an oral fluid preliminary drug test for cannabis. He was arrested and conveyed to Henry Street garda station. A doctor was called and a blood specimen was taken,” said Garda McCarthy.

New service to reduce Limerick emergency wait times

The court heard it showed the defendant was over the limit for cannabis. Garda McCarthy said Mr McCormack has no previous convictions.

John Lynch, solicitor for the accused, asked if his client co-operated fully on the day.

“Yes. He also rang me to tell me he had moved address,” said Garda McCarthy.

My Lynch said Mr McCormack is a young man studying at the art and design college.

“He is living with his grandmother. He knows he is facing some time off the road. He apologises to the court and to gardai,” said Mr Lynch.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican disqualified Mr McCormack from driving for one year and fined him €500.