A West Donegal man stopped by Gardai with cannabis in his system claimed he was taking it for a medical condition.
Kevin McGeady was stopped by Gardai at a checkpoint at Derrylahan, Falcarragh on February 24th, 2021.
The 29 year old was driving towards Letterkenny when stopped.
Garda Sgt Gerard Dalton told Falcarragh District Court that Gardai formed an opinion that McGeady was under the influence and requested an oral specimen form him.
He was then taken to Milford Garda station where a blood was sample was taken which proved to be positive for cannabis.
His solicitor, Mr Michael Shiel, told the court that his client suffered from a medical condition known as Colitis for which he took cannabis.
Mr Shiel handed in a medical certificate to the court.
He added that McGeady, with an address at Glaserchoo, Meelaragh, was in the process of setting up a new business.
He said losing his license with be a handicap to him and also noted that he was a carer for his mother and father.
Judge Deirdre Gearty said she had sympathy for the fact that McGeady suffered from a medical condition.
But she added that the court cannot condone driving under the influence and that it was simply not acceptable.
She fined McGeady €250 and banned him from driving for one year with the ban starting on April 1st.