A man found in possession of nearly €800 worth of cannabis resin and who sold 10 grams a month to his friends received a seven month suspended sentence at Galway District Court this week.
Krzyaztos Betowski (29 ) with an address at 168 An Fiodan, Doughiska, appeared before Judge Mary Fahy charged with possession of cannabis herb with intent to sell or supply at his place of residence on March 19, 2010.
Inspector Sean Glynn told the court that at 9.45pm a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act was conducted and as a result a bag containing “green plant-like substances” was found. Further analysis later confirmed that the substance was cannabis herb valued at €750. Weighing scales and a “cannabis grinder” were also found during the search.
When questioned Betowski told gardai he used the scale for weighing out what he bought and used for himself and that he would buy around 50 grams a month. However, he also admitted using the grinder to “break down” the drug to use in joints and that he often sold joints to his friends, charging €15 a gram.
Defence solicitor Sean Acton explained that Betowski admitted selling to friends but that it was not “a commercial venture”. He added that Betowski, a native of Poland, had a significant history of drugs abuse in the past and now maintained an addiction to cannabis. Mr Acton said that his client, who has no previous convictions, immediately admitted that the drugs were his and that he would sell on 10 grams per month to his friends.
Judge Fahy then imposed a seven month sentence to be suspended for a period of two years on condition that Betowski enter into a bond of €500 to be of good behaviour and not to re-offend
