Pubdate: Tue, 17 Oct 2006
Source: Peterborough Evening Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2006 Johnston Press
Contact: http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/contactus.aspx
Website: http://www.peterboroughet.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/961
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)

HOBBY DRUGS DEALER IS SPARED JAIL

Vincent O'Halloran (50) was caught with the drugs after police
carried out a dawn raid at his home in Palmerston Road, Woodston,
Peterborough, on March 2.

After barging their way into the home, the officers found a total of
463 grammes of cannabis, which O'Halloran admitted selling to his friends.

But he claimed that he intended to smoke most of the drugs himself, as
it helped dull the pain of a back injury, which he suffered in an
industrial accident two years ago.

O'Halloran appeared at Peterborough Crown Court yesterday, where he
pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to cultivating and possessing cannabis
at the city's magistrates' court in June.

Thomas Forster, defending, said: "He admits he would have friends
around and share cannabis with them.

"These plants were earmarked for his own use and supplying his friends
- - it was not for financial gain."

Accepting O'Halloran's defence, Judge Neil McKittrick imposed a
12-month sentence, which was suspended for 18 months.

He said: "There is great concern in this city about cannabis factories
- - institutions formed wholly for financial gain.

"I can draw a difference between a cannabis factory and your hobby. It
was very different in scope and nature.

"But if you are before the court for drug offences in the next 18
months, you will be going to jail."

O'Halloran will be sentenced for the count of possession to supply at
Peterborough Crown Court in January.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake