Airman insists he passively inhaled cannabis

AN AIRMAN in the Defence Forces is challenging his proposed discharge from the aircorps on grounds that he passively inhaled cannabis in his car while in the company of two friends.

He has been given leave by the High Court to challenge his proposed discharge arising from his testing positive for cannabis.

The application was made on his behalf by Michael Howard, SC.

Airman David Rawson denies that he himself was smoking cannabis when he was subject to a compulsory random drugs test but says he was in his car with two friends who were smoking cannabis. He claims he was given no opportunity to call evidence in relation to the possibility of a false positive test from passive smoking prior to his discharge being recommended.

The discharge was due to be implemented today but Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill yesterday gave leave to Mr Rawson to bring judicial review proceedings challenging his proposed discharge. The judge also granted an order restraining that discharge coming into effect pending the outcome of the case.

Mr Rawson, of Carrow Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, has brought his proceedings against the Minister for Defence arising from his being subject to a random compulsory drugs test at Casement Aerodrome on November 27 last.

“I wish to state categorically that I did not, nor have I ever, consumed any illegal drugs or substances,” Mr Rawson insisted.

As an active young man who keeps physically fit, he had no interest in the consumption of drugs.

He had never been in trouble in his life.