A DEFENCE solicitor said his client’s arrest for possession and the sale and supply of cannabis was, in his own words, the best thing that ever happened to him.
The home of Fionn Murphy, Tyrone, Kilcolgan, was searched by Gardaí on January 10, 2026 and cannabis to the value of €650 was found. He admitted he was involved with the sale and supply of the drug.
Sean Acton solr (defending ) pleaded that the supply aspect of the charge amounted to no more than sharing the drug with friends, but admitted to Judge Liz Healy that he did charge them for it.
Quantities of Valium and magic mushrooms were also found during the search. Mr Acton pleaded that Murphy’s relationship broke up in 2024 and he developed a serious Valium addiction, taking up to 200mg per day and also smoking cannabis.
His client had told him that the intervention of the Gardaí was the best thing that ever happened to him. He was now engaging with therapy and was doing very well. His councillor said he was honest and open about his issues. He was now down to a tapering dose of Valium.
Murphy is 30, lives at home with his mother and works in a petrol station. He has completed a Finance degree and was most sincere in his remorse for his behaviour.
Judge Healy said she accepted the defendant had gone through a difficult time and was glad to see he was taking responsibility for his actions.
She ordered that he enter into a Probation Bond for one year with the condition that he cooperate with any recovery recommendations made and be of good behaviour.
“I’m giving you an opportunity to continue on the path you have commenced on,” she told Murphy but warned him that if he didn’t take it he would be back before the Court, so she advised him to take it.
