CANNABIS ACCUSED WINS MERCY

A DISABLED man, who was caught in possession of cannabis resin with a
street value of over pounds 2,000 has been shown "mercy" by Belfast
Crown Court.

Martin McAnoy (28), pleaded guilty to possessing the class B drug with
intent to supply after police searched his Gortnamona Way home in west
Belfast, last April.

The court heard yesterday that McAnoy, who suffers from an incurable,
disabling disease, had paid pounds 500 for the cannabis wholesale, a
quantity which he would get through every two months.

Defence lawyer, John Cushinan QC, said McAnoy had supplied cannabis to
his flatmates, but it was mainly for his own use to relieve his pain.

He said: "This is an exceptional case, one can hardly imagine a more
exceptional case."Judge David Smyth yesterday said: "If the quantities
had been less and if he wasn't supplying other people in the flat, he
would have received merely a caution".

However, he said the court would show "mercy" in light of his illness
and imposed a conditional discharge.