By Fiona Ferguson
A man who was “caught red-handed with 13 plants and a big bag of cannabis” worth a total value of €27,000 has had his case adjourned for sentence.
Gerard Moore (46), of Bernard Curtis House, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis for sale or supply and cultivation of cannabis at his home on July 30, 2024. He has no previous convictions.
Garda Ian Gavin told Oisin Clarke BL, prosecuting, that gardai executed a search warrant at Moore’s home and immediately noticed a smell of cannabis. In a bedroom, they found ten cannabis plants growing with heat lamps and other equipment.
Gda Gavin said a further three plants were found on the bedroom balcony, and cannabis was found in a bag in his wardrobe.
Moore gave gardai no difficulty and took responsibility in relation to his own role. Moore said he was holding the items as his life was in danger.
Gda Gavin agreed with Mr Clarke that Moore would not have had the technical know-how to set up the growing system. He accepted that Moore was targeted and preyed on by “more sinister” members of the community.
The court heard Moore had a long-standing cannabis addiction and was not financially benefiting from the operation. The plants were valued at €10,400 and the cannabis was valued at €16,800.
Michael McNamara BL, defending, said that his client fully accepts his wrongdoing. He submitted he had been pressurised because of his vulnerability. He said Moore had an addictive personality and was a cannabis addict.
He said his client regrets his actions and has given an explanation for his own role. He has taken full responsibility for his role and is asking the court for a chance.
He said his client is making changes to his life. He said he wants to go back to college and become a drugs counsellor. He said his client has been off all drugs for the past eight years and is unlikely to reoffend.
Judge Orla Crowe said Moore had been “caught red-handed with 13 plants and a big bag of cannabis” but noted that it was accepted he had been put under pressure.
She adjourned sentencing to allow a probation report to be prepared and urine analysis to take place. She will finalise the case on July 7 next.