This article is from page 16 of the 2013-10-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A JUDGE has ordered the dismantling of a cannabis grow-house in East Clare that was the subject of a garda raid two years ago.
Judge Gerard Keys made the order at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court as he adjourned sentencing of Bridgetown man Sean Mason.
Mr Mason (37) pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis without license after gardaí discovered a “purpose built” and “sophisticated” cannabis grow house at his home in Ballybrack, Bridgetown on October 29 2011.
Outlining details of the operation earlier this month, Garda Francis Brennan of Ennis Garda Station told the court the search uncovered incubators containing 72 young cannabis plants.
One building was fitted out with a tiled floor equipped with drains to take away water and ventilation and lighting systems.
Gardaí also discovered cannabis resin in a lunchbox and a black plastic bag containing cannabis off-cuts.
Mr Mason accepted responsibility for the cannabis growing operation and told gardaí he used the drug for medical reasons.
Garda Brennan said gardaí did not accept Mr Mason’s reason for growing cannabis.
Judge Keys adjourned sentencing to hear the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) view on the seriousness of the offence.
On Thursday, Counsel for the DPP, Stephen Coughlan BL told the court that Mr Mason had grown cannabis for medical reasons.
He said there was no evidence this was part of an organised crime set up.
Adjourning sentence, Judge Keys ordered the complete dismantling of the areas of the premises altered for the growth of cannabis.
He said he wanted to ensure the building could not be used again for cultivating cannabis plants.
“I want it dismantled in such a way to satisfy gardaí that it cannot be used for the growth of cannabis,” he added.
The case was adjourned for mention to the final week of October.