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Grandafather says he grew cannabis for himself and neighbour with terminal cancer
Summary
Kenneth Walsh, 57, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of possessing cannabis for sale or supply at his home in Rathfarnham, Co Dublin, on August 28, 2024. Gardai seized eight cannabis plants valued at €6,400 and €15,192 worth of cultivated cannabis herb during a search of his residence. Walsh alleged he grew the substance for pain relief for himself and a neighbour with terminal cancer, following a serious accident that left him bed-bound. The prosecuting garda noted the large quantity but acknowledged Walsh had no prior drug-related convictions and no evidence of distribution was found. Defence counsel highlighted Walsh's 30-year work history and the inability to obtain a supporting letter from the ill neighbour. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged the high quality of the seized cannabis but accepted the defence explanation as meeting the threshold of believability. The judge handed down a sentence of two years, which was suspended in full on a number of conditions. Walsh has 21 previous convictions, mostly for road traffic offences dating back to 2013.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Grandafather says he grew cannabis for himself and neighbour with terminal cancer. Charges or matters: one count of possessing cannabis for sale or supply at his home on August 28, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 28, 2024 Incident
- 2025-11-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of possessing cannabis for sale or supply at his home on August 28, 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He handed down a sentence of two years which he suspended in full on a number of conditions.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence
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