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Unemployed man grew cannabis to pay bills
Summary
Mark Hyde, 42, of Finglas, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession for sale or supply of cannabis at his home on February 4, 2020. Prosecutors stated that gardaí executed a search warrant and discovered 15 seed trays, plants in two tents, and four tubs of cannabis leaf estimated at just under €7,000. Hyde alleged he grew the plants to pay bills due to financial hardship and intended to sell the leaf to friends. The court noted his previous conviction in 2012 for cultivation of cannabis, for which he received a suspended three-year prison sentence, and a 2014 order for community service for forgery. Defence counsel argued Hyde was not running a wholesale operation but supplying a small circle to cover expenses, noting his involvement in Community Employment and receipt of rent allowance. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to February next. She ordered Hyde to engage with the Probation Service to develop skills to avoid drug cultivation during financial difficulties. The matter was adjourned and not concluded.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Unemployed man grew cannabis to pay bills. Charges or matters: possession for sale or supply of cannabis at his home on February 4, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 4, 2020 Incident
- December 3, 2012 Incident
- 2021-11-10 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession for sale or supply of cannabis at his home on February 4, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He received a suspended prison sentence of three years for this. At that sentence hearing in 2014, he was also ordered to carry out community service for an offence of forgery.; Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to February next.
Places mentioned
- Kippure Park
- Dublin
Topics
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