Mobile phone offence leads to drug-driving ban for young motorist - Donegal Daily

A motorist who was caught using a mobile phone while driving has landed himself a driving ban after testing positive for drugs.The case of Patrick Convery was h...

A motorist who was caught using a mobile phone while driving has landed himself a driving ban after testing positive for drugs.

The case of Patrick Convery was heard before Letterkenny District Court.

The 20-year-old Convery, from Tirkane Road, Maghera, Co Derry, was charged in connection with an incident on July 12, 2025.

Garda Stephen Campbell told the court that he was on duty on the evening in question when he was travelling between the Dry Arch and Polestar roundabouts at 8.40pm.

Garda Campbell passed a car and observed the driver holding a mobile phone. The vehicle was signalled to stop and Garda Campbell detected a strong sell of cannabis while he noticed that Convery’s eyes were dilated.

An oral fluid test at the roadside was positive for the presence of cannabis and cocaine.

Convery was arrested and taken to Letterkenny Garda Station, where a nurse took a sample of blood that returned positive for the presence of both drugs.

The court heard that Convery - who was not present in court and was not represented - has no previous convictions.

This was the third date the matter was listed before the court and Convery had not attended at any point, Judge Emile Daly noted.

“This is a matter that needs to proceed by way of a hearing date penalty where he has chosen not to attend court and no mitigation has been provided,” Judge Daly said.

For drug-driving, Convery was convicted and fined €800. He was also disqualified from driving for one year.

Convery was also fined €400 for driving while holding a mobile phone.