A 44-year-old painter decorator who drove with cocaine in his system has been given time to show he is staying clean before a judge finalises the matter.
Gary Newman of St James Road, Walkinstown, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to drug-driving on Kimmage Road West on 11 February, 2022.
Garda Dylan O’Malley told Judge Karen Dowling that Newman was stopped by gardai after his car – which had no relevant discs displayed – was observed driving in the Crumlin area. He was on a learner permit.
The court heard that Newman failed a roadside drug test and later provided a blood sample at Terenure Garda Station which showed that cocaine was in his system.
The court was told that Newman had relapsed at the time of the offence following a series of personal traumas, including the death of the grandmother who raised him, as well as the loss of a child eight months earlier.
Since then, Newman has completed treatment at St John of God’s, is attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings and has been drug-free for the past year. His solicitor said that Newman is working full-time, is single but in a relationship and needs to drive for his job.
Judge Dowling acknowledged Newman’s progress, telling him: “Not an easy task – but here you are”, before directing him to continue his engagement with support services and complete a driving awareness course.
She ordered a probation report and adjourned the case to 6 February, 2026 for finalisation.