Jailing Limerick cannabis grower is of ‘no benefit’ to society, says judge

A JUDGE has said he doesn’t believe society would benefit from a Limerick man who was caught growing cannabis on two separate occasions being in prison.

Limerick Circuit Court heard the defendant - Michael Walsh, aged, 64, of Monavaha, Shanagolden - grew the cannabis for self-mediation as he suffers very badly from the side effects of antidepressants

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State Solicitor Aidan Judge, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Padraig Cronin and Garda David Higgins.

She said gardai executed a search warrant at a garage at Mr Walsh’s address on January 30, 2021.

“Gardai had obtained confidential information and carried out surveillance. There were two grow tents, 13 plants, approximately six feet tall and in full bloom. There were two plants drying out,” said Ms Buckley, who added that the value of the plants was €12,000.

Detective Garda Cronin agreed with Ms Buckley that it was a very sophisticated operation and the plants were well looked after.

During interviews with gardai, Mr Walsh told them he was growing cannabis for his personal use and that he didn’t sell or supply to other people.

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The accused also told gardai the cannabis was for self-medication and that one crop would last him for a year. Mr Walsh bought the seeds online and the equipment to grow cannabis in garden shops.

Kenneth Kerins, defence barrister, asked Detective Garda Cronin if there were any trappings of wealth or evidence of sale or supply like phones in the property?

“No,” said the detective, who agreed with the barrister that Mr Walsh was polite and fully compliant.

Ms Buckley said gardai executed a search warrant at the same address on July 26, 2021. On this occasion, there were five plants in the early stages of growth.

Mr Kerins asked Garda Higgins if Mr Walsh told him he was using the cannabis plants to treat depression. Garda Higgins said yes and agreed with the barrister that Mr Walsh was a “gentleman” to deal with.

In mitigation, Mr Kerins said Mr Walsh qualified as an engineer and had a high pressure job.

“He found himself in hospital due to illness. He became very low. He was diagnosed with bipolar in the late 90s. He has gone through three generations of antidepressants. He suffers very badly from side effects. He purchased some cannabis in the city and found great relief from cannabis. Due to the cost he decided to cultivate his own,” said Mr Kerins.

Judge Dermot Sheehan said Mr Walsh was given the opportunity of stopping and he started again.

“He has a profound, lifelong, serious health issue. I am concerned there is no medical report. I don’t think society will benefit from Mr Walsh being in prison,” said Judge Sheehan, who adjourned the case for a medical report.