An Oranmore man who gleaned information from the internet on how to grow cannabis plants admitted his “stupidity” and “naivity” at Galway District Court this week before being ordered to carry out community service.
The court heard that the cannabis growing operation, which was set up in a shed at the back of a property the defendant had been residing in last year, was “amateurish” however, once fully mature the value of the plants would be the region of €2,400.
Jason Donnellan (24 ) with an address given as 3 Castle Court, Oranmore, appeared before Judge Mary Fahy on Monday and pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis and opium plants at 11 Cloonarkin Drive, Oranmore, on July 2, 2010. A charge for possession of drugs was withdrawn.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court that Garda Gerard Hall had received information about the growing of cannabis at a location in the village of Oranmore. When a search took place gardai discovered six plants in a small shed at the rear of the property. The inspector explained that the plants were “nearing maturity”, and that as a result it was difficult to quantity the value. However, it is believed that once the plants had reached maturity they would be worth €400 each.
The court also heard that when interviewed by investigating gardai Donnellan had admitted that he had gained knowledge of how to grow cannabis plants from the internet and had bought the seeds in a head shop. “We accept that it was amateurish,” Inspector Coppinger told Judge Fahy.
Defence solicitor Olivia Traynor said that her client had fully co-operated with the gardai and has since made contact with addiction services in order to deal with his own drug habit, and that he had been growing the plants for his own use. She added that Donnellan accepts “the stupidity and naivity” of his actions and that he is willing to carry out community service.
Judge Fahy ordered the probation services to access Donnellan and provide a same-day report regarding the defendant’s suitability for community services. Following a short adjournment the court heard that Donnellan was a suitable candidate and Judge Fahy then ordered him to carry out 130 hours of community service or five months imprisonment in lieu.
