Suspended sentence for cannabis 'waterboy'
The “waterboy” for a highly sophisticated cannabis growing operation has been given a suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Keith O’Brien (aged 36) was responsible for watering the 665 plants which were being kept in a specially built enclosure in a warehouse. Gardai estimated the plants were worth around €330,000 and €30,000 had been spent on equipment to grow them.
Gardai found a complex operation which included ventilation systems, railed lighting systems and separate areas for plants in various stages of maturity. The court heard that one of O’Brien’s co-accused, who is also before the courts, is a horticulturist by trade and has expert knowledge of growing plants.
O’Brien of Grange Close, Ballymun pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis at Greenogue Industrial Estate, Rathcoole and possession of cannabis at his home on July 25, 2008.
Garda Ciaran O’Neill told prosecuting counsel, Mr Martina Baxter BL, that they searched the warehouse after getting a warrant and found O’Brien inside watering the plants. He told gardaí he was been paid €5,000 to look after the plants and had been doing it for four weeks.
A small amount of cannabis was found in his pocket and when gardaí searched his home they found more, which O’Brien said he had been selling to his friends to fund his habit.
He made full admissions to gardaí and gave them so much information that he was under a “significant amount of threat” after his arrest. Gda O’Neill referred to him as the “waterboy” and said he was at the lowest end of the operation.
Defence counsel, Mr Lorcan Staines BL, said O’Brien was in an adult education course and had a 13-year-old daughter. He said he had worked in various jobs since he was 17 and is “doing quite well for the problems he has.”
Judge Frank O’Donnell commented that it was “a big operation in which you played a minor but essential role.” He sentenced him to three years, suspended in full for five years on strict conditions.
