Fears over drug-driver case played down

Legal authorities have played down fears that a recent court case, which saw a prosecution against a motorist who admitted smoking two joints of cannabis dismissed, could set a precedent for other drug drivers to evade conviction.

While road safety experts have privately expressed concern that the ruling “sends out the wrong signal”, they maintain existing legislation is sufficiently robust to successfully prosecute offenders.

Michael Ryan, 20, a student from Berrings, Co Cork, pleaded not guilty at Cork District Court on Wednesday to a charge of driving while under the influence of an intoxicant.