This article is from page 4 of the 2012-01-31 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
A MAN has pleaded guilty to the possession of 13 cannabis plants at a house in Newmarket on Fergus last June.
Gardaí discovered the drugs during a search of Miller Boys Cottage, Snugboro, Newmarket on Fergus, on June 4 last.
Ian Cullinan (31) with an address at 27 Glensheen Road, Gort Road, Ennis, appeared at Ennis District Court in relation to the charge of possession of a controlled drug, cannabis.
Insp John Galvin told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the matter on a plea of guilty.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy said the direction had effectively tied his hand in terms of trying the case in the District Court. He said the case was now a matter of sentencing, adding that he did not have the “jurisdiction to refuse jurisdiction”.
Insp Galvin said the accused admitted to gardaí that the drugs were his during the search. He said the cannabis had been valued at € 5,200. He said the accused was very co-operative with gardaí. Insp Galvin said gardaí were quite satisfied that the drugs were not intended for re-sale.
He added, “My colleagues accept it was not for sale on the open market.”
Solicitor Joe Moloney told the court that has client had immediately put his hands up and accepted he was wrong. He said his client was a single man from a “very well respected family”. He added, “The fact that he is here in court will bring it home to him that this is not acceptable in modern society.”
Judge McCarthy remanded the man on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on March 21. He ordered the preparation of a probation and welfare report to include urine analysis.