District court briefs

Drug influence A BALLYJAMESDUFF motorist who was caught driving under the influence of drugs was fined €300 and disqualified from driving for four years when he came before Virginia District Court. Daniel Harten, 6, Court Crescent, Virginia Road, Ballyjamesduff, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of cocaine/cannabis at Rahardrum, Virginia, on September 9, 2008. Community Service orders Leif Duffy, c/o Rose McCabe, 2, Griffith Park, Cootehill, has been ordered to complete 100 hours community service in lieu of three months imprisonment when he came before Virginia District Court charged with damaging a window the property of Philip Duffy, 31, New Line, Cootehill, on September 30. Mark Fitzsimons, Crossafehin, Virginia, was ordered to complete 100 hours community service in lieu of three months imprisonment for using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at Granard Street, Ballyjamesduff, on November 1, 2006. Shane Gannon, 8, Oaklands Park, Ballyjamesduff, was ordered to undertake 100 hours community service in lieu of three months imprisonment when he pleaded guilty to damaging two windows at the rear of a house belonging to Ciaran McGowan at Oaklands Park between August 16 and 17. Judge MacBride also ordered the defendant to pay €200 compensation to Mr. McGowan. Inspector Fintan McTiernan informed the court that Mr. McGowan reported that two windows were broken in his house. The defendant was interviewed and he admitted breaking them in anger. Used phone while driving A Dublin woman who was caught driving while using a mobile phone has been fined €120 when she failed to appear at Virginia District Court in connection with the matter. Paula Kiniry, 20, Earlsfort Drive, Lucan, was also fined €500 and disqualified from driving for one year for not having insurance on her vehicle. The defendant was stopped at Cornahilt, Ballyjamesduff, on February 22nd. No cert. of roadworthiness Stephen Brady, Rahardrum, Virginia, was fined €500 at the local District Court for not having a certificate of roadworthiness in respect of a vehicle he was using at Knocknagilla, Ballyjamesduff, on April 29. He was also fined €500 for not having recording equipment functioning properly. Donation to charity A man who was previously given the benefit of an adult caution for a public order offence has been ordered to donate €250 to Virginia Cancer Fund when he appeared at the local District Court charged with being intoxicated at the Carraig Springs, Crosskeys, on August 13. New solicitor welcomed At Thursday's sitting of Cavan District Court Judge Sean MacBride welcomed new solicitor, Mr. William O'Reilly, who will practise with the firm of Mr. Damien Rudden, Stradone. Mr. O'Reilly was introduced to the court by Ms Jacqueline Maloney, solicitor, who said he came with a good legal background. His father Mr. Vincent was state solicitor for Meath. Welcoming Mr. O'Reilly, Judge MacBride said that it was great to see young people joining the legal profession. "It is a great honour to be a member of the legal profession and to bring comfort and support to clients in difficulty. I wish you every success," said the Judge. Inspector John Dollard joined the expression of welcome on behalf of the Gardai as did Ms Deirdre Lennon, court clerk, on behalf of the Courts Service. Mr. O'Reilly thanked all for their kind remarks.