Man fined £150 for growing cannabis plants at house

A 30 year old man has been given a two month suspended sentence and fined £150 for growing cannabis plants.

Kevin Doherty, of Ard Grange, was convicted of growing three cannabis plants and possession of cannabis at Derry Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The court heard that on January 2 this year police conducted a search of Doherty’s home and found three ‘adult’ cannabis plants.

Doherty was arrested and during police interview stated the plants were for his own personal use.

A police officer told the court the plants were weeks from harvesting and had an estimated street value of £2,800.

A defence solicitor said Doherty had grown the plants to save money as he had a cannabis habit.

He said Doherty had no relevant previous convictions and asked that he be given credit for pleading guilty at the first opportunity.

He stated that Doherty had reached a place in his life where he wanted to put offending behind him.

District Judge Barney McElholm imposed a two month prison term, suspended for two years, and a £150 fine.

A destruction order was imposed for the drugs.