A "nice man" in West Cork has been given a three-year suspended sentence after he was found in possession of over 40 cannabis plants in his home.
It was not the first time Skibbereen resident Richard Goldfrapp had been arrested for cannabis growing. He previously received a three-year suspended sentence for the same offence.
Arriving at the man's home on June 11, 2021 with a search warrant, Detective Garda Andrew Manning said the 73-year-old was very easy to deal with and caused gardaí no trouble whatsoever.
The man, originally from England, was understood to be growing the illegal crop for his own personal use. The plants were grown in an "unsophisticated manner" according to the gardaí and could not have reached their full potential.
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Despite the potential street value of €32,000, the lack of any equipment like hydroponics, special lighting or tents lead Judge Helen Boyle to believe the elderly man had no intention to sell the cannabis for profit
According to reports in the Cork Evening Echo, Det Gda Manning told the court that Goldfrapp “was a nice man to deal with” and that he had cooperated fully with the garda investigation. However, Judge Boyle expressed concern over the fact it was the man's second time in court for the same offence.
Goldfrapp took 4 urinalysis tests prior to his court hearing, all of which tested negative for drugs. According to his lawyer, "the prospect of a prison sentence has jolted him to a sense of reality."
The pensioner received to a three-year suspended sentence. The judge cautioned that if he offends again, he won't get another chance.
Judge Boyle added that despite Goldfrapp's "off the grid" lifestyle, the law does not allow for cannabis growing.
