A former garda sergeant who was caught growing cannabis in his home has received a suspended prison sentence at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court.
Finbar Hickey, with an address at Muchgrange, Greenore, Co Louth, had pleaded to a charge of cultivating cannabis plants without a licence at his home in February last year.
A total of 77 plants at various stages of growth were found in several incubation units hidden in a garage and sheds on the premises. Cannabis leaves were also found strung across the yard, drying in the air.
Hickey had co-operated fully with the investigation, according to Garda Sgt John Moroney who carried out the search. The defendant had told him he was growing the cannabis for himself and his wife to use.
The court heard that the former garda sergeant had served a year in prison at the Curragh after he was convicted of forging passport applications in 2001.
The 51-year-old had problems with cannabis but was willing to try and stop using the drug.
Judge Michael O'Shea sentenced Hickey to three years imprisonment but suspended it on condition of good conduct for four years.
