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. 20567Road traffic offence (driving under the influence of cocaine) · Co. Kildare

Recovering cocaine addict fined and banned after driving under the influence of cocaine, Naas court

Mark Hedderman, 48, of Kilbelin Lawns, Newbridge, County Kildare, was convicted of driving under the influence of cocaine on three occasions in Kilbelin Lawns: on September 26, October 4 and November 28, 2021. At Naas District Court on Thursday, June 22, 2023, Judge Zaidan imposed fines of €500, €750 and €1,000 for the three offences, a three-year driving ban, and directed a €2,000 donation to charity. The defendant, who has no previous convictions, told the court he had been struggling with cocaine addiction at the time, has been sober for just over a year, and plans an addiction studies course. The latest development reported is this sentencing, published by Kildare Now on June 26, 2023.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced26 Jun
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Mark Hedderman, 48, was convicted of driving while under the influence of cocaine on three separate occasions.
Where
The offences took place in Kilbelin Lawns, Newbridge, County Kildare.
When
The three offences occurred on September 26, 2021, October 4, 2021, and November 28, 2021.
Cause
Mr Hedderman had been struggling with a cocaine addiction at the time of the offences.
In court
Judge Zaidan heard the sentencing at Naas District Court on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
Sentence
  • The judge imposed a €500 fine for the first offence, a €750 fine for the second and a €1,000 fine for the third.
  • The judge imposed a three-year driving ban on Mr Hedderman.
  • The judge directed that a €2,000 donation be given to charity.
Other details
  • Mr Hedderman previously worked in financial services and has no previous convictions.
  • Mr Hedderman has been sober for just over a year after seeking treatment and had not driven any vehicle since the last incident.
  • Mr Hedderman brought €1,000 as a gesture of remorse and offered to increase it to €2,000 after the judge said €1,000 was on the lower end.
  • Mr Hedderman plans to undertake an addiction studies course to help others struggling with drug abuse.
  • The judge said the aggravating features of the case merited these conditions.
17 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMark Hedderman was convicted of driving while under the influence of cocaine on three separate occasions. (kildarenow.com)
  • whereThe offences took place in Kilbelin Lawns. (kildarenow.com)
  • whenThe three offences occurred on September 26, 2021, October 4, 2021, and November 28, 2021. (kildarenow.com)
  • courtThe case was heard at Naas District Court on Thursday, June 22. (kildarenow.com)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a €500 fine for the first offence. (kildarenow.com)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a €750 fine for the second offence. (kildarenow.com)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a €1,000 fine for the third offence. (kildarenow.com)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a three-year driving ban on Mr Hedderman. (kildarenow.com)
  • sentenceThe judge directed that the €2,000 donation be given to charity. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherMr Hedderman had been struggling with a cocaine addiction at the time and previously worked in financial services. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherMr Hedderman has been sober for just over a year after seeking treatment. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherMr Hedderman had not driven any vehicle since the last incident. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherMr Hedderman plans to undertake an addiction studies course to help others struggling with drug abuse. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherMr Hedderman has no previous convictions. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherMr Hedderman brought €1,000 as a gesture of remorse. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherMr Hedderman offered to increase the remorse payment to €2,000 after the judge said €1,000 was on the lower end. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherThe judge said the aggravating features merited these conditions. (kildarenow.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 26 Jun2023
    Sentencedkildarenow.com, first report
    Recovering cocaine addict wants to help others overcome their addictions, Kildare court told

    Sentencing hearing at Naas District Court on Thursday 22 June 2023; details of the three 2021 offences, fines, driving ban and the defendant's recovery and remorse.

    convicted, Mark Hedderman, 48, male, named, irish (judged from name)Mark Hedderman