Dariosz Malachowski (47) of The Brook in Enniskillen pleaded guilty to cultivating and possessing cannabis when he appeared before Monday’s sentencing hearing. 

The court was told that on September 21st 2015, police conducted a search of the defendant’s home at Factory Road, Enniskillen under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Police were granted entry to the rear of the property by a female and on entering they detected a strong smell of cannabis. 

The officers went to an upstairs bedroom and discovered a black commercial growing tent, black plant pots filled with soil and 14 glass jars beside a chest of drawers, which they believed to be herbal cannabis. 

The defendant also handed over 10 bags of herbal cannabis while cash of £805 and €400 was also seized. In the attic of the house, police also found 10 mature cannabis plants and 15 seedling plants along with further jars.

When the defendant was interviewed four days later about the find, he confirmed to police that he possessed the cannabis and knew it was illegal to do so. Malachowski said he used the tent to grow marijuana, explained the cultivation process while also admitting that he used the attic as a cannabis factory. He said he had not been selling the drugs but used them for his health as he suffered from cystic kidneys.  

District Judge Nigel Broderick heard that Malachowski had been treated extensively for the condition for six years but found limited relief through conventional medication before he sought to   self-medicate with cannabis. 

The court was told that while some people in society believe that cannabis assists with pain relief, Malachowski had made “a grave mistake. 

Sentencing Malachowski, the judge said: “I recognise your health issues but that doesn’t justify the growing of cannabis plants.”

A four month sentence, suspended for 12 months, was imposed.