Defendant caught with cocaine in Irish hotel room

A man caught with cocaine in a hotel room in Donegal Town has been fined €150 after failing to appear in court.

Paul McCauley, 20 Lisnafin Park, Strabane, Co Tyrone was due to appear before Donegal District Court on Wednesday.

Inspector Seamus McGonigle confirmed to the court that the defendant had been notified of the court date, and that the state was in a position to go ahead in McCauley’s absence.

Retired Detective Garda Paul McHugh gave evidence of receiving a report of suspected drug activity in a bedroom in the Abbey Hotel.

A warrant to search Room 126 was obtained.

“One occupant of Room 126 was Paul McCauley,” said the former detective. “He said that there was ‘some dope in the room.’”

McCauley handed over a small bag containing powder which he told gardaí was cocaine. Subsequent analysis confirmed that the substance was cocaine worth €50.

“He was totally compliant,” said retired Detective Garda McHugh. 

The court heard that the defendant had no previous convictions.

Judge Ciaran Liddy acknowledged that the defendant had been notified of proceedings and had not appeared in court. He recorded the facts as proven and imposed a fine of €150.

The judge set recognisance of €100 cash and a €100 bond in the event of an appeal.