Cannabis convict seeks licence to grow hemp

An Englishman living in West Cork who was convicted last week of growing cannabis handed his sentencing judge yesterday his application to the minister for health for a licence to grow hemp.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin said he took this application as an indication of the attitude of Duncan Sloane to the courts and the law. He remanded Sloane in custody for a week for sentencing next Friday.

“In view of his flagrant attitude to the law I am afraid I would be excessive on him [if sentenced yesterday]. I will give him a week to think about it. I will remand him in custody,” said the judge.