Garda found drugs concealed in car dashboard

A man appeared charged in connection with the discovery of cannabis behind the dashboard in a car which was searched by a Garda. The drugs were individually bagged consistent with the sale or supply of drugs, Trim District Court heard.

Darren Mulvaney, a 32 year-old father of two, of Athlumney Wood, Navan was prosecuted for possession of the drugs, and having them for sale or supply on 31st March 2025. The value of the drugs was stated to be €1,466.

The defendant tendered a guilty plea, and had previous convictions for drug offences.

Defence barrister Niall Gallagher said the defendant started using drugs at 14, and left school at 16 and was currently working. After the incident the defendant stopped using drugs, and hadn’t been in trouble since.

The defendant told Judge Eirinn McKiernan that he stopped because he was told he would lose his family. “It is not worth it. You learn from your mistakes.”

He explained that he got the drugs the way they were. It was cheaper to buy them that way than individually.

Judge McKiernan convicted the defendant on the lesser charge of possession of the drug, and fined him €300. She took into consideration the sale or supply charge.

Separately, a 20-year-old woman who was homeless and living out of her car at the time foolishly filled diesel and did not pay for it, her barrister told Trim District Court.

Nara Benson with an address at Elm View, Clogherboy View, Navan pleaded guilty to the theft of diesel value €56 at Circle K, Beechmount, Navan on 7th February 2024. She had three previous convictions for theft.

Paul Noctor, who represented her, said the defendant was willing to pay compensation.

The Judge put the case back and later in the court Mr Noctor said that the defendant was not able to obtain the money and asked Judge McKiernan to give her a week to get the money.

Judge McKiernan imposed a one month jail sentence which she suspended for 18 months.