Courts / Dublin / Report
Son who cultivated cannabis to help mother suffering from cancer avoids jail
Summary
Michael O'Sullivan, 34, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to cultivating 36 cannabis plants at his Artane home on 28 June 2017. Gardaí found the plants at various maturity stages, lights, extraction equipment and a total value of €28,800. O'Sullivan said he grew the plants to produce cannabis oil for his mother, who was suffering from cancer and unaware of the cultivation. His mother died in April 2017, two months before the discovery. He had no prior convictions and was the father of a young child. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to two years' imprisonment, suspending the entire term on the condition of good behaviour and keeping the peace for two years. The court noted the plants' value would normally warrant custodial time but accepted the mitigating factors of his plea, cooperation, lack of convictions, remorse, shame and family circumstances.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Son who cultivated cannabis to help mother suffering from cancer avoids jail. Charges or matters: cultivating cannabis plants at his address on June 28, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 28, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-05-14 Publication
Why: In interview with gardaí, O'Sullivan said he became involved in growing cannabis because his mother was suffering from cancer and he did research that convinced him cannabis oil had homeopathic benefits. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: cultivating cannabis plants at his address on June 28, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to two year's imprisonment, but suspended the entirety of the sentence on condition that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two years.
Places mentioned
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