Courts / Dublin / Report

"Harmless sort of fellow" pleads guilty to cannabis cultivation

Date
2018-10-05

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Paul Slevin, a 48-year-old father from Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to cultivating cannabis plants valued at €23,200. The offence occurred at Ballygall Road East on April 12, 2015. Prosecution evidence stated that Slevin walked into a garda station while intoxicated, claiming he had been bullied out of his home by a lodger who was growing the plants. However, Detective Garda David Sheffield suggested Slevin invented this story because his tenancy was ending and he had no place to store the plants. A search of the apartment revealed 29 cannabis plants, heat lamps, and a water butt. Although the plants were not ready for harvest, they were estimated to be worth €800 each when mature. Slevin, a qualified stone mason with no previous convictions, admitted to the charge. His defence counsel, Seamus Clarke SC, argued that Slevin should receive credit for his guilty plea, for handing the plants to gardaí, and for taking steps to address his addiction. The court noted that the maximum term of imprisonment for this offence is 14 years. Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned sentencing until October 12. The matter was adjourned and not concluded.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Harmless sort of fellow" pleads guilty to cannabis cultivation. Charges or matters: cultivation of cannabis plants worth €23,200 at Ballygall Road East, Finglas, Dublin 11 on April 12, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

April 12, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
October 12 Adjournment
2018-10-05 Publication

Why: Det Gda Sheffield told Mr Clarke that he believed Slevin invented a fictitious story because his tenancy agreement was up and he had nowhere to store the plants. CNI source report