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Drugs defendant who claimed he was hunting rabbits when he found 10kg of cannabis fails in appeal

Summary

Karl Humphries, 40, of Bishopstown, Cork, was convicted in July 2021 of three counts of possession of cannabis worth about €58,000 for sale or supply. The case stemmed from a Garda sting on 25 July 2012 when a bag of 9.74 kg of cannabis resin was found concealed in a ditch at Watergrasshill. Humphries claimed he was in the area hunting rabbits, but the jury rejected this defence by a ten‑to‑two majority. Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. In the Court of Appeal, Humphries' counsel argued the judge over‑emphasised aggravating factors and failed to consider his lack of prior convictions. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that the Misuse of Drugs Act required a minimum ten‑year sentence absent exceptional circumstances. Judge Michael MacGrath upheld the original sentence, dismissing all appeal grounds. The case remains at the appellate stage. Karl Humphries pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Drugs defendant who claimed he was hunting rabbits when he found 10kg of cannabis fails in appeal. Charges or matters: three counts of possession of cannabis worth around €58K for sale or supply by a Cork Circuit Criminal Court jury in July 2021; the three charges, maintaining he never touched the bag. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

• July 2021 Incident
• July 25, 2012 Incident
• 2024-07-30 Publication

Why: Humphries arrived by car and gardai watched as he searched the hedge and found the bag, although Humphries later claimed that he was in the area because he was "dazzling" or "lamping" rabbits. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report