Jail for growing cannabis for soup

A 64-year-old man who was growing cannabis in his converted attic to make “ medicinal soup”, has been handed down a two year prison sentence.

Paul Duffin of Caheranne Close, Tralee, Co Kerry, had pleaded guilty to the charge of sale or supply of cannabis as well as cultivation on July 12, 2012, at his home.

His sentence hearing yesterday was told how he had a tragic family history.

He eschewed conventional medicine and had a previous conviction for cultivation and in 2011 he received a suspended sentence for growing the drug.

The Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee was told yesterday that while he pleaded guilty to the charge of sale or supply, he would insist he was not selling the drug, but was growing it “to make soup and tea” for pain relief.

He would also offer the soup to friends who would call to his home, Richard Liston, defending, outlined.

The total value of the cannabis in the attic and a small amount of cannabis resin handed over by Mr Duffin came to €6,910.

Handing down sentence, Judge O’Donnell said:

“It warrants a custodial sentence.” He handed down a two-year sentence and suspended the last 12 months.