Man charged with possession of drugs represents himself in court
A LETTERKENNY man has been charged after being caught in possession of drugs.
Brajan Kotulski of Ard Glass, Letterkenny was before Letterkenny District Court on Monday past.
He was charged with being in possession of an illegal drug, cocaine, contrary to section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977.
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that a garda patrol had observed Kotulski acting suspiciously in Letterkenny’s Oldtown on the night of February 14 past.
Kotulski was searched and found to have ‘two deals’ of white powder in his possession. Garda testing confirmed the substance to be cocaine with a value of €135.
Sergeant Collins said that the defendant was fully cooperative with the Gardaí, had no previous convictions for drug related offences but had four past convictions for road traffic offences.
Kotulski, representing himself, pleaded guilty.
Judge Emile Daly heard that the man worked as a fish packer, and took into account his earnings when establishing a penalty.
Judge Daly said that as it was a first time drugs offence, the penalty would be a fine. As no defending solicitor was there to represent Kotulski, she warned him that a second drugs related offence could attract a custodial sentence.
Kotulski was convicted and fined €250, and given four months to pay.