Cork courier convicted of drug-driving will lose his job, court hears

Defendant tested positive for cannabis and cocaine

Judge placed defendant on a probation bond for 12 months on condition he attends drug-addiction counselling and takes part in a driver awareness programme.

A drug-driving conviction for a courier van driver in Cork will result in the man losing his job, the district court has heard.

Inspector Kay O’Donoghue told a recent sitting of Bandon District Court the accused man, Kamil Michalik, aged 35, of Hyde Park, Tory Top Road, Cork, was the driver of a Ford Transit van stopped at a random checkpoint at Kilbrogan, Bandon, Co Cork, at 10.20am on June 20, 2025.

The court heard Michalik provided a breath specimen which tested negative for alcohol. He was then asked to provide an oral fluid sample and this tested positive for both cannabis and cocaine. Michalik was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving and taken to Bandon Garda Station, where a blood sample was taken.

Analysis of the blood sample at the Medical Bureau of Road Safety later confirmed Michalik was positive for both cannabis and cocaine. The court heard Michalik had 10 previous convictions, including five for road traffic offences and one for theft.

Simon Kelly, defending, said his client was a courier driver and a disqualification would result in him losing his job. He said Michalik who was pleading guilty, was a father, and lived with his partner and child, and the conviction would have a significant impact on his life.

Judge Joanne Carroll disqualified Michalik from driving for one year. She said she appreciated the disqualification would have a major impact on him and would not impose any other penalty. 

She placed Michalik on a probation bond for 12 months on condition he attends drug-addiction counselling and takes part in a driver awareness programme.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme