Courts / Tipperary / Report
Soldier takes High Court challenge to discharge after cocaine test
Summary
Private Christopher Maher, a soldier from County Tipperary stationed in Kilkenny, has filed a High Court challenge to stop his discharge from the Permanent Defence Forces after a compulsory random drug test in March 2013 returned a positive result for cocaine. Maher denies ever taking the drug, claiming he was at a party the night before the test and that he may have been exposed to cocaine smoke accidentally. The urine sample showed 150 ng/ml of benzoylecgonine, the cut‑off for a positive test under Defence Forces regulations. In May, his commanding officer recommended discharge, citing voluntary consumption. An appeal in November found Maher had not produced evidence to support his claim of passive exposure, and the officer determined he failed to consider a medical report that questioned the testing process and suggested possible over‑reporting of drug levels.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Soldier takes High Court challenge to discharge after cocaine test. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- March 2013 Other
- 2014-03-31 Publication
Why: Last May his commanding officer said the only credible reason for the positive test was voluntary consumption of a controlled drug and recommended his discharge from the defence forces. Defence account reported by CNI
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision
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