Fined for possession and cultivation of cannabis in Longford

A man who entered a plea of guilty at Longford District Court to possessing cannabis was fined €500. Enrico Gismondi (35) was initially before the court charged with possession of cannabis and cultivation of cannabis.

The defendant had a charge sheet address of Annagh, Drumlish, Longford, but told the court he now lives at 3 Castle Street, Macroom, County Cork.

Sergeant Mark Mahon told Judge Bernadette Owens that the State was seeking to have the cultivation charge struck out.

Sgt Mahon outlined the details of the offence that brought Mr Gismondo before the court. The officer said that on the date of the offence Garda Leo Sheil carried out a search of the defendant home on foot of a search warrant.

The search uncovered 10 seedling plants in a bedroom and cannabis to the value of €50 which Mr Gismondi said was for his own personal use.

The defendant's legal representatives said the plants were very small and had only been planted a few days prior to the search.

The court heard that Mr Gismondi moved from Navan to Longford, but was now living in Macroom, Cork and has worked steadily throughout his life. The court was told the defendant's girlfriend is pregnant and he was going to move to Dublin, with the ultimate ambition to open his own restaurant.

It was explained that Mr Gismondi was diagnosed with chronic colitis in 2010. He has been using cannabis to deal with pain and discomfort. The cannabis alleviates his pain.

Sgt Mahon said the defendant had 15 previous convictions, but none since 2012.

Taking the facts of the case into consideration Judge Owens imposed a fine of €500 giving Mr Gismondi six months to pay. A destruction order was issued for the drugs.

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