Donegal judge warns of importance of attending court after man handed drugs conviction - Donegal Daily

A Donegal District Court Judge has issued a warning about the importance of attending court appearances.Judge Emile Daly was speaking at Letterkenny District Co...

A Donegal District Court Judge has issued a warning about the importance of attending court appearances.

Judge Emile Daly was speaking at Letterkenny District Court after convicting a man and fining him for the possession of cocaine.

Michael Duddy was due before the court after being caught with the drug last August in Downings.

However, he failed to show in court and was given a €400 fine.

Garda Christopher Sweeney told the court that he encountered Duddy, 28, of Dereen Drive, Strathfoyle, Derry, at 7.30pm on August 2, 2025 at Magherabeg, Downings.

After conducting a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act, Garda Sweeney located a small bag of white powder on Duddy, who told the garda that it was cocaine.

When asked why he had cocaine, Duddy replied that it was “for personal use”.

Sergeant Maurice Doyle confirmed to the court that Duddy has no previous convictions.

Judge Daly said that this was a charge for the possession of an illegal drug under section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and that, especially if someone is of a young age, the court could deal with it in a way that avoids a conviction.

“This underlines the importance of people attending court,” Judge Daly said, noting that Duddy had two opportunities to attend court, but failed to appear.

“Despite having no convictions previously, he now has a conviction,” Judge Daly added.