Woman struggling with covid lockdowns turned to growing cannabis at her Cork home

Accused was caught with 'grow-house' cultivating the drug with a potential value of €7,200

Defence stressed the word 'grow-house' had some connotations but there was no suggestion of supply in this case. File picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

A woman who struggled with lockdowns during the covid pandemic resorted to growing cannabis which she was smoking herself to the point where she was caught with a grow-house cultivating the drug with a potential value of €7,200.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said at Cork District Court: “The grow-house had full heating and ventilation to enhance productivity. She was arrested and made full admissions to cultivation of cannabis within her home.” 

Neringa Puteliene, 45, who was never in any kind of trouble before, pleaded guilty to the cultivation of cannabis at her home on Mariners Quay, Passage West, Co Cork.

Defence solicitor Aoife Buttimer said there was a very favourable probation report on the accused.

“She started smoking cannabis during covid when she was quite isolated and suffered trauma in her life. She is working with vulnerable people herself now and is very remorseful,” Ms Buttimer said.

The defence submitted a report from a rehabilitation clinic and a clear urinalysis cert. It was argued the term “grow-house” was an overstatement of the arrangement the defendant had in place for the cultivation of plants.

Sergeant Lyons said following the search, a total of nine cannabis plants were located — three large plants and six smaller ones — with a €7,200 value.

The search was carried out on October 7, 2021, and the prosecution put a value on each plant of €800.

The Director of Public Prosecutions directed the case could be dealt with at Cork District Court on a plea of guilty only and otherwise it would have to be dealt with by indictment at the circuit court.

The defence stressed the word "grow-house" had some connotations but there was no suggestion of supply in this case.

Ms Buttimer said the defendant was very anxious to avoid a conviction so there would be no adverse effect on her career.

Judge Dorgan said such an application presented a “sentencing dilemma” for the court. In all the circumstances, the judge said she would give a lengthy adjournment. The case was put back until September 16.