Noel Tobin given suspended sentence for cannabis cultivation

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Noel Tobin received a four-year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, on condition that he keep the peace. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced him.

Tobin, 46, of Tonlegee Road, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis at his home on 14 December 2016. He also admitted possession of cannabis for sale or supply.

The proceedings were reported on 18 June 2020.

Tobin told the court he wanted cannabis to treat pain after twice breaking his wrist, but wanted to avoid dealing with drug dealers and was concerned about becoming addicted to painkillers. Judge Codd accepted his reasons as genuine but said his use of cannabis was improper and criminal.

Tobin told gardaí that the cannabis herb he produced was for his own use, although he shared it with some friends. Garda David Moran said a search found nine plants valued at an estimated €7,200; two jars of cannabis herb valued at around €4,800 were also found. Judge Codd noted that gardaí found none of the usual drug-dealing paraphernalia, such as weighing scales or tick lists.

Tobin had a previous conviction for possession of drugs for sale or supply and received a prison sentence in 2007. His barrister, Luigi Rea BL, said that conviction arose after Tobin became addicted to cocaine and ran up a drugs debt. Judge Codd said she was impressed by his references and charitable work.