Driver was under the influence of cocaine and cannabis, gardaí tell Kildare court

A 31-year-old man was convicted in his absence at Naas District Court on Thursday, November 9 last for driving under the influence of both cocaine and cannabis.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was told about the offence committed by Richard Raymond-Collins, with an address listed as 16 Greenfort Lawns in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, County Dublin.

Gardaí told the court that on January 1, 2021, Mr Raymond-Collins was seen driving on the N7 in Quinnsboro, near Monasterevin, and was stopped by gardaí at a speeding checkpoint.

It was heard that the gardaí who pulled him over said they noticed 'a strong smell of weed' coming from Mr Raymond-Collins.

After he submitted an oral fluid specimen to gardaí, he tested positive for both cocaine and cannabis in his system.

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Gardaí added that an official specimen certificate issued shortly after the incident once again showed that he tested positive for cocaine and cannabis on the date in question.

Mr Raymond-Collins has two previous convictions: one for an unauthorised Learner driver offence, and one for a drink-driving offence, both in 2011.

He was disqualified for driving for a total of four years in 2011.

After consideration, Judge Zaidan imposed two €500 fines on Mr Raymond-Collins (one for the drug-driving offence, and one for speeding), and gave him three months to pay both fines.

He also imposed a one-year driving disqualifiation on Mr Raymond-Collins.