Parents 'shocked' at son's cannabis habit

Sean O'Farrell (24) started selling cannabis to a small group of friends to pay for his own drug use.

He stopped smoking cannabis after his parents expressed their shock and disappointment at his behaviour.

O'Farrell was found with €1,200 worth of cannabis after the family home in Finglas was searched by drugs officers.

Judge Denis McLoughlin ordered O'Farrell to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of six months in prison.

The defendant admitted before Blanchardstown District Court to possession of cannabis as well as having the drug for sale or supply on September 12 last year.

Gda Tom Murray said he obtained a search warrant and searched the defendant's family home at North Road, Finglas, shortly before 9pm.

He said a quantity of cannabis was found hidden in the defendant's bedroom.

The cannabis, a total of 60 grammes, had a street value of €1,200.

Gda Murray said O'Farrell made full admissions to selling cannabis to his friends.

Defence solicitor Simon Fleming said the defendant was smoking the drug and selling it to a small group of friends, so effectively he was getting his own cannabis for free.

He said O'Farrell was unemployed at the time, but is now on a back-to-work scheme and learning how to set himself up in business as a painter and decorator.

Mr Fleming said the defendant, who has stopped smoking cannabis, has paid a high price for his drug use as his parents were shocked and very unhappy.