Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 9571Possession of drugs · Co. Donegal · 30 Oct 2025

Buncrana waitress avoids drugs conviction after charitable donation order

Caitlin Doherty, a 26-year-old woman, was found with two ecstasy tablets and a small amount of cannabis at her home in Buncrana, County Donegal, when gardaí searched it on October 30, 2025. She pleaded guilty at Buncrana District Court to two counts of possession of drugs under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. The judge ordered her to make a €300 donation to the White Oaks rehabilitation centre in Muff in lieu of a conviction, with a €500 fine and conviction if the donation is not paid. The matter was adjourned to May 26 for proof of payment, the latest development reported in May 2026.

  1. Reported
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Caitlin Doherty, a 26-year-old woman, had two ecstasy tablets and a small amount of cannabis in her home.
Where
  • Her home is in Buncrana, County Donegal.
  • The case was heard at Buncrana District Court.
When
Her home was searched on October 30, 2025.
Investigation
The MDMA was valued at €20 and the cannabis at €30.
Charges
She pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
In court
  • The judge agreed to deal with the matter by way of a charitable donation in lieu of a conviction.
  • The matter was adjourned until May 26 for proof of payment.
Sentence
  • She was directed to make a €300 donation to the White Oaks rehabilitation centre in Muff.
  • If the donation is not paid, she will be convicted and fined €500.
Other details
  • She works part-time in a café and has no previous convictions.
  • The judge warned that a future similar charge would lead to a conviction.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe defendant had two ecstasy tablets and a small amount of cannabis in her home. (donegallive.ie)
  • whatShe was found with MDMA valued at €20 and cannabis worth €30. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe case was heard at Buncrana District Court. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenHer home was searched on October 30, 2025. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeShe pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe judge agreed to deal with the matter by way of a charitable donation in lieu of a conviction. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe matter was adjourned until May 26 for proof of payment. (donegallive.ie)
  • sentenceShe was directed to make a €300 donation to the White Oaks rehabilitation centre in Muff. (donegallive.ie)
  • sentenceIf the donation is not paid, she will be convicted and fined €500. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherShe works part-time in a café and has no previous convictions. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 May2026
    Otherdonegallive.ie, first report
    Waitress (26) caught with two ecstasy tablets and cannabis escapes drugs conviction

    Court report on the guilty plea and the judge's order: a €300 donation in lieu of conviction, with a €500 fine and conviction if it is not paid.

    accused, Caitlin Doherty, 26, female, named, irish (judged from name)Caitlin Doherty