JUDGE ACCLAIMS ABILITY OF CANNABIS GROWER

A horticulturist who grew four-foot cannabis plants in his home has been
commended for his technical ability by Judge Kieran O'Connor at Dublin
Circuit Criminal Court.

However, Judge O'Connor added that while Wayne O'Connor had shown
considerable skill in growing the plants from seed, particularly in the
Irish climate, he could have put his talents to better use.

O'Connor, (32) of Lahaunestown Bungalow, Lahaunestown Lane, Carrickmines,
Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis plants at his home on
June 22nd, 1997, and to possession of cannabis on the same date.

He was given a three-year suspended sentence for cultivating the plants and
fined IEP100 for possession of the drug.

Det Garda Vincent Rock told the court he and a number of officers raided
O'Connor's house after receiving confidential information.

O'Connor was co-operative and later showed remorse.

Defence counsel Mr Hugh Harnett SC said O'Connor had worked in his father's
nursery business since he was 11 or 12 years old and worked six days a week
all his adult life.

He had grown the plants for his own medium-to long-term use.

Judge O'Connor said the size of the plants was of concern to the court and
noted that the defendant had managed to grow them to within two feet of
their maximum height, normally achievable only under optimum conditions.

Checked-by: Joel W. Johnson