25/10/2012

Cannabis Used For Pain Relieve Case Struck Out

A long-term cancer sufferer who used cannabis to relieve pain walked free from court on Wednesday.

Jacqueline Corris of Connolly Villas, Ennis, Co Clare, had pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing and cultivating cannabis plants contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Garda Francis Brennan told Ennis District Court that during a search of Ms Corris’s home on 24 October 2011, gardaí found 13 cannabis plants with a street value of €5,200.

The court heard that Ms Corris – who is self-employed and with no previous convictions – admitted she grew the plants for her own use and to treat her own medical condition.

Her solicitor, Joe Chambers, told the court that Ms Corris “is a long-standing cancer sufferer from her early teens and that would be her main problem”.

He said: “Ms Corris has had a very serious medical problem all her life and this has led to numerous operations as a result and the only pain relief she gets is from taking this plant.”

Mr Chambers added: “She accepts that she shouldn’t have done this and has told the guards that she has varied her ways.”

Judge Patrick Durcan had adjourned the case for six months to yesterday and in court yesterday Mr Chambers said Ms Corris had stayed out of trouble and not come to the notice of the Garda in the meantime.

Judge Durcan said: “I will strike out the charges and that means you will not have a record of any kind under this legislation.

“You only get a chance like this once in life and I hope that things continue to improve for you.”

(H)


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