For those of us who have covered the district and circuit courts over many years, the parade of young people appearing before judges for unlawful possession of drugs can be disconcerting and sometimes upsetting.
In the main, the defendants are in their late teens and up to their 30s. Many are charged with simple possession of small amounts of cannabis. If it's their first offence, they may be dealt with under the Probation of Offenders Act and given a lecture on the evils of drug use before being sent on their way.
If it's a second offence, they may be ordered to attend the Probation Service for preparation of a court report, and perhaps urinalysis. Charges of unlawful possession of drugs for sale or supply will often be directed to a higher court - often the circuit court - where a defendant is more likely to draw down a prison sentence.
Source: Paul Murphy, The Meath Chronicle, 24/11/2011
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