Saturday 31 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. 17784Possession of cannabis · Co. Donegal · 17 Mar 2023

Donegal Town man may avoid conviction for cannabis possession if he donates to charity

On 17 March 2023, gardaí searched the home of Diego Gjowacki, a 26-year-old man, at 34 Marian Villas, Donegal Town, at about 10pm under Section 26 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and found cannabis valued at €50. He was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. On 25 March 2024 he pleaded guilty before Donegal District Court, which ordered that no conviction would be recorded if he paid €250 to Little Blue Heroes by 1 May, failing which a conviction and €500 fine would be imposed. The latest development is that conditional outcome, pending the donation deadline.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court25 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Diego Gjowacki, a 26-year-old man, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis.
Where
The cannabis was found at his home at 34 Marian Villas, Donegal Town, County Donegal.
When
  • The offence was detected on 17 March 2023.
  • The search took place at about 10pm on the evening in question.
Investigation
Gardaí searched the home under Section 26 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Weapon
No weapon is mentioned in the case; the item involved was cannabis valued at €50.
Charges
He was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis.
In court
  • The case was heard at Donegal District Court on Monday 25 March 2024.
  • The court heard that this was his first appearance before the court for possession of cannabis and that he had no previous convictions for misuse of drugs.
  • He accepted ownership of the cannabis.
Sentence
  • No conviction will be recorded if he pays €250 to charity by 1 May.
  • If the donation is not made, a conviction and a €500 fine will be imposed.
Other details
Little Blue Heroes, a garda charity, is the nominated charity.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatDiego Gjowacki pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe cannabis was found at his home. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe search took place at 10pm on the evening in question. (donegallive.ie)
  • investigationGardaí searched the home under Section 26 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Donegal District Court on Monday. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe court heard he had no previous convictions for misuse of drugs. (donegallive.ie)
  • sentenceNo conviction will be recorded if €250 is paid to charity by May 1. (donegallive.ie)
  • sentenceIf the donation is not made, a conviction and €500 fine will be imposed. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherCannabis valued at €50 was found. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherThe defendant accepted ownership of the cannabis. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherLittle Blue Heroes, a garda charity, is the nominated charity. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 25 Mar2024
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Man to pay €250 to Little Blue Heroes after drugs found at Donegal Town house

    Court report of the hearing on Monday 25 March 2024: guilty plea, the charity-donation condition, and the €500 fine if the donation is not made.

    accused, Diego Gjowacki, 26, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Diego Gjowacki