Truck driver admitted growing cannabis for his own use

A Macroom truck driver who admitted growing cannabis plants for his own use has been directed to undergo drug tests and engage with the Probation Service.

Brian O’Connell, 51, of Pairc Ui Mhuirithe, Oakwood, Macroom pleaded guilty at Macroom District Court to possession of cannabis and cultivation of cannabis plants. 

Gardaí searched his premises on the evening of December 31 2025, and recovered cannabis valued at €240 along with two cannabis plants. O’Connell admitted the drugs and plants were his and said they were for personal use. The court heard he had 12 previous convictions, including one for possession of drugs and one for cultivation.

Defence solicitor Sean Cahill said O’Connell grew the plants because he did not want to buy drugs from “undesirable elements”. He said there was no suggestion that his client was supplying drugs to others. 

Mr Cahill said O’Connell had five children, aged between 13 and 29, and worked as a truck driver. He said O’Connell had stopped using cannabis in January.

The court heard he had used cannabis in the past because of medical issues, and only smoked it in the evening. 

Judge Joanne Carroll said it was a serious matter for a professional driver to use cannabis. O’Connell said he had never had an accident and had only smoked cannabis in the evenings.

Judge Carroll said she needed to be satisfied that, given his previous cultivation conviction, O’Connell was now drug-free. She directed the Probation Service to prepare a report and ordered two random drug tests. 

O’Connell was remanded on continuing bail to appear again on January 20 2027, for the report and test results.