Sunday 1 November 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. 21308Possession of drugs; driving unaccompanied on a learner permit · Co. Limerick

Limerick learner driver in court over drugs found in car

Michael Kennelly, a 33-year-old man, was stopped by gardaí while driving unaccompanied on a learner permit in Rathkeale, County Limerick, on a night when he had dropped off his accompanying driver. A search of his car found cannabis herb valued at €20. He was charged with driving unaccompanied on a learner permit, non-display of L plates and possession of drugs, and pleaded guilty at Newcastle West District Court, as reported on 1 May 2023. The judge ordered a probation report, with urinalysis at his own expense at the court's discretion, and adjourned the case until July 25.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court1 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Gardaí found cannabis herb valued at €20 after searching the car.
Where
Kennelly was stopped by gardaí while driving in Rathkeale, County Limerick.
When
The incident happened on a night when Kennelly had dropped off his accompanying driver in Rathkeale.
Cause
He was found to hold a learner permit with no accompanying driver in the car.
Investigation
Investigating gardaí said Kennelly made admissions concerning the drugs.
Charges
He was charged with driving unaccompanied on a learner permit, non-display of L plates and possession of drugs.
In court
  • He pleaded guilty to the charges at Newcastle West District Court, as reported on 1 May 2023.
  • The judge ordered a probation report, with urinalysis at his own expense at the court's discretion.
  • The case was adjourned until July 25.
Other details
  • His counsel said the drugs were not his and belonged to a friend, but he accepted responsibility for them being in his car.
  • Kennelly has 22 previous convictions.
  • Kennelly is 33 years old.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGardaí found a quantity of cannabis herb valued at €20 after searching the car. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whereKennelly was stopped by Gardaí while driving in Rathkeale. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on the night the court heard about, when he had dropped off his accompanying driver in Rathkeale. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationInvestigating gardaí said the accused made admissions about the drugs. (limerickpost.ie)
  • chargeHe faced charges of driving unaccompanied on a learner permit, non-display of L plates and possession of drugs. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtHe pleaded guilty to the charges. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtThe judge ordered a probation report, with urinalysis at his own expense at the court's discretion. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned until July 25. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherHis counsel said the drugs were not his and belonged to a friend, but he accepted responsibility for them being in his car. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherHe has 22 previous convictions. (limerickpost.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 May2023
    In courtlimerickpost.ie, first report
    Limerick learner driver found in possession of drugs

    First report of the District Court appearance: the charges, the guilty plea, the defence account that the cannabis belonged to a friend, the probation report order and the adjournment to July 25.

    accused, Michael Kennelly, 33, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Kennelly