Kildare Judge criticises change in driving ban law

A Naas District Court Judge criticised a change in the law during a court case which was heard on Thursday, May 11.

Judge Desmond Zaidan made the comments in the case of Anthony O'Connor, of Mylerstown, Two Mile House in County Kildare.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of cocaine at Osberstown in Naas on November 14, 2021.

During the case, the judge criticised the change in law that reduced the minimum driving disqualification (DQ) for drug-driving from four years to one year.

Judge Zaidan said to Mr O'Connor's defending solicitor Tim Kennelly: "The press fell for the gimmick, it is laughable."

He added: "Not one member of the press asked any questions queried it."

After consideration, Judge Zaidan fined Mr O'Connor €500, and gave him three months to pay it.

He also imposed the one-year driving DQ on him.

However, when Mr Kennelly asked him for the DQ to come into effect from October 12, the judge granted this request.

The judge also urged Mr O'Connor to stop taking cocaine.