Suspended sentence for cannabis grower from Cork

A MAN who started using cannabis for pain relief became so involved in taking the drug that he ended up converting his attic into a carefully concealed grow-house, where he was ultimately found growing plants with a potential value of over €16,000.

Detective Garda Shannon Ryan accepted that, in fairness to David O’Brien, there was no question of him dealing the drugs. Gardaí had no information to suggest supply, and his phone was analysed and found to be clear of anything indicating dealing.

Judge James McCourt said the 38-year-old man was not in the first flush of youth and should have known better, as he imposed a sentence of two years, suspended in full, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The judge noted from submissions by defence barrister Peter O’Flynn: “You suffered injuries in the past and used cannabis for pain relief.

“If the plants in the attic had grown to maturity, they would have had a value of €16,800.

“You fully cooperated with gardaí on their arrival. You offered pleas of guilty when there was an opportunity.

“You have expressed remorse and insight, and had positive interaction with the probation service and gardaí.”

The judge imposed a total sentence of two years suspended.

Det Garda Ryan said the gardaí obtained a warrant to search David O’Brien’s house at Ballinamough, Kealkil, Co Cork, on November 6, 2020, and found he had drugs for his own use.

They returned six months later, on May 10, 2021, and found the grow-house in his attic, accessible by moving boards in the ceiling of his bedroom.

The 21 cannabis plants were immature at the time, but valuation is such cases is on the basis of their potential value at maturity.