One-armed golfer caught with €20 worth of cannabis in DVD case

A one-armed man who was caught with €20 of cannabis in a DVD case wants to become a professional golfer, Tallaght Court has heard.

Cian Arthurs lost the use of his right arm in a lawnmower accident when he was two, his counsel, George Burns, told Judge Bridget Reilly.

Garda Sarah Burke told the court that on June 16 last, she observed a number of males sitting in a car in Pineview Grove in Tallaght. She told Judge Reilly she searched the car under the Misuse of Drugs Act and found a DVD case containing €20 worth of cannabis herb.

Garda Burke said Arthurs had admitted the cannabis was his. She said he had been co-operative and had no previous convictions.

Arthurs, aged 22, with an address at Bellview Cottage, Rathbeale Road, Swords, pleaded guilty to simple possession of cannabis herb at Pineview Grove, Tallaght, on June 16, 2014.

Mr Burns said Arthurs had rowed for the Irish one-armed rowing team and wants to become a professional golfer.

He added Arthurs had worked in a Eurospar but is now on disability benefit.

Mr Burns added: “He has excelled in sport and coaches in his local GAA club.” He said Arthurs doesn’t smoke or drink. Mr Burns said his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Judge Reilly put the case back to April for payment of €300 to charity. If the money is paid, the case will be struck out.