A judge yesterday warned of the dangers of cannabis after an actor pleaded guilty to charges of illegally growing cannabis plants and opium poppy at his home.
Before the court was Liam Carney (45), a former actor in the RTÉ series Glenroe, with an address near Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.
After hearing the evidence at New Ross District Court, Judge Gerard Haughton said depending on the usage of cannabis and the amount taken, it stays in the system for a month or more.
Judge Haughton asked Carney: "I may need you to give a urine sample, would it be clear?"
The defendant replied: "Possibly not."
Judge Haughton said that clearly the defendant had not learned any lesson. Cannabis, apart from been illegal, is a dangerous drug, he said.
It was not a safe drug and one of the main problems was the link with schizophrenia, he said referring to recent research.
Judge Haughton said he would impose a fine.
Carney pleaded guilty to the charge of growing cannabis plants and opium poppy at his home at Cummer, Templeudigan, Ballywilliam, Enniscorthy, on September 3rd, 2004.
Garda Adrian Kelly told Judge Haughton that after receiving confidential information, he got a search warrant to go to the home of Carney.
After arriving at the house, Garda Kelly told the defendant the purpose of his visit and of having a warrant to search his home.
Having carried out a search, Garda Kelly told of having found 12 cannabis plants growing inside a shed.
On finding the plants, Garda Kelly said the defendant told him that they had been stored there for three months.
The court heard that the defendant said the plants were for his own use.
The plants, said Garda Kelly, were grown in a compost box, while the defendant said he looked after the plants himself.
Defence solicitor Martin Lawlor told the court that the defendant is currently unemployed, but admitted growing the plants. The defendant, he said, was a professional actor, but out of work at present.
Mr Lawlor told Judge Haughton the effects a conviction would have on his client, particularly when it came to going to America. He also stressed the effects a conviction could have on his acting career.
However, Judge Haughton said he would impose a fine of €500 and order the confiscation of the plants.