A search of a premises in Ballinrobe by Gardai led to the discovery of cannabis to the value of €7,200.
Mariusz Latowski, a Polish national with an address at 10 Waterside, Ballinrobe was found with a sophisticated growing tent, heat lamps, plants and thermometers on the premises, last week’s sitting of Castlebar District Court heard.
The Polish national was using an upstairs bedroom at the premises for cultivating the drug where he lived with his wife and two young children. Upon hearing evidence Judge Mary Devins enquired if the room had been locked or in fact open to the four-year-old and two-year-old’s access to which Gardai confirmed the door had been unlocked.
Solicitor Lynda Lenehan explained the defendant had been using cannabis all his life and had foolishly begun growing the plant for his own use, she added that his children thought the plants in question were flowers and the defendant had accepted that this was outrageous and unacceptable.
The court heard that the 30-year-old had been in gainful employment for the past seven and a half years and had been growing the drugs for personal use.
Judge Mary Devins said it was ‘extremely worrying that little children could have accessed this room’.
Mr Latowski addressed the court stating he had done a very stupid thing and he was sorry. Judge Mary Devins adjourned the matter until December 21, requesting a probation report to be presented to her before then.
