Courts / Dublin / Report

'Green-fingered' pensioner avoids jail for cultivating cannbis

Summary

A pensioner who cultivated cannabis plants with an estimated street value of €50,000 has avoided a jail sentence. James Berkeley was caught growing cannabis in his Dublin home on two occasions in 2015 and 2017. The court heard that Berkeley had a sophisticated growing operation, including heating and water piping. He admitted cultivating the plants for his own use and said he used cannabis to help with his pain and depression. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis in the UK and has been self-medicating with cannabis. His defence highlighted his health issues and his good employment history. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Berkeley had set up a "sophisticated enough operation" but said there was no evidence he had profited from his actions. She suspended a three-year custodial sentence on the condition that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour. James Berkeley pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Green-fingered' pensioner avoids jail for cultivating cannbis. Charges or matters: two counts of the cultivation of cannabis at his home. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 2, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 21, 2017 Other
• 2015 and 2017 Other
• 2026-04-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report