Alan Fitzpatrick had a major drugs operation near Derrylin
TWO FERMANAGH men have appeared in court for sentencing in relation to cannabis factories, which produced estimated street values of hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Proceeds seized during a raid on two properties in County Fermanagh are to be passed to a group which works with children and young people educating them on the dangers of drugs.
Alan Fitzpatrick (45) from Lisblake, Florencecourt admitted two changes of cultivating cannabis plants at addresseses in Molly Road and Corratistune Road, Derrylin on December 17 2012.
Co-accused Marcus Andrew Weir (41) from Cloverhill Park, Enniskillen admitted one charge relating to the Molly Road premises on the same date.
The court was told the two properties were searched by specialist police and the cannabis factories were discovered.
Weir was found on one of the properties and Fitzpatrick was later forensically linked to both scenes.
Expert analysis revealed the property at Molly Road had produced cannabis worth an estimated street value of up to £158,100, whilst the Corratistune Road property had an estimated £287,600 street value.
A prosecution lawyer advised the set up at the two properties showed “commonality” and there was evidence the cannabis had been grown and cultivated on-site.
Along with the cannabis plants, three quantities of cash totalling £480, as well as a Citroen Berlingo van were seized.
A defence barrister for Weir said his client was very much in the lesser role, and this had been accepted by the prosecution.
Describing him as “the gardener” the defence contended Weir was asked by Fitzpatrick to “keep the house looking like a residential property.”
Defence for the co-accused said Fitzpatrick knew he was facing prison and had said his farewells to his wife.
Counsel also drew attention to the fact the charges relate to matters from four years ago, and asked the court to have due regard to that.
Judge Stephen Fowler sentenced Fitzpatrick to 30 months custody, of which half is to be spent on licence. Weir was given 18 months custody, suspended for three years.
The judge granted a prosecution application to have the van sold and the proceeds, along with the seized cash, be passed to the DAISY project in Omagh, which works with young people, educating them on the dangers of drugs.
Welcoming the sentencing PSNI Chief Inspector Clive Beatty said: “This was as a result of a proactive policing operation led by officers from Fermanagh Crime Team and the local Tactical Crime Unit against the supply of Class B Drugs within Co Fermanagh.”
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