Enniskillen Magistrates Court
A LISNASKEA man who was found growing four cannabis plants in his home, as well as over £900 of the Class B drug, has been given a suspended sentence.
Kamil Skrocki (32) of Castle Balfour Demesne appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis.
The charges arose after two police searches on properties in Lisnaskea, one where Skrocki used to live and one where he was currently living.
When police searched the first property, on the Derrylin Road, the discovered 8.48 grams of cannabis worth £84. The also discovered a quantity of cannabis seeds in the house, as well as other material such as cannabis leaves, stems, stalks and plant pots behind a wall of the property.
Police learned Skrocki had been living at the property but had moved out two weeks previous. A subsequent search of his new residence at Castle Balfour uncovered a large black “grow tent” containing four cannabis plants.
Other equipment associated with the growing of the drug, such as lamps was also found, as was glass jars containing just over 95 grams of herbal cannabis, worth in the region of £950, as well as scales.
When questioned by police Skrocki, who had a relevant previous record in another jurisdiction, admitted growing the drug and said he had been smoking cannabis for around 15 or 16 years. He said he began growing it as he didn’t want to buy it from others, and told police it was for his own use.
Skrocki also explained he had taken the four plants from his former residence to his new home, and said the cannabis found had been from a previous grow, and that he was smoking it.
Defence solicitor Garry Smyth said Skrocki, who he said is in a stable relationship and works at a local factory, had made full admissions to police.
He stressed the defendant was growing the drugs for personal use only, stating there was no question of or evidence of supply.
Mr Smyth said Skrocki, who he said had engaged well with probation services, had since taken steps to address his cannabis use, and had stopped using the drug.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said if there had been any evidence Skrocki had been growing the plants for commercial gain he would’ve imposed an immediate custodial sentence.
Instead he sentenced him to five months in prison, suspended for two years.
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