A SKIBBEREEN woman with over €6,000 worth of cannabis in her home was given a three-month suspended prison sentence, ordered to do community service and placed under a probation bond.

Rachel Rowley (39), of Ard Carraig, Skibbereen, pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply of drugs, and money laundering, at Clonakilty District Court.

The court heard that officers from the drugs squad raided her home on January 12th this year and recovered cannabis, weighing scales and deal bags.

The cannabis, plants and resin, had a street value of €6,600.

Gardaí also seized €1,450 cash they said was linked to drug dealing, as well as €1,450 of Ms Rowley’s personal savings.

The court heard that she had intended to buy an electric wheelchair for her mother with the savings.

Solicitor Eamonn Fleming, defending, said: ‘Her personal circumstances were appalling. She’s a worrier and this has been worrying her for almost a year. She was preyed upon by other people but made the decision herself to do this. If she could engage with the Probation Service in the next 12 months, she would very much welcome that.’

Judge Joanne Carroll said: ‘I can see from the probation report that Ms Rowley has had a very difficult and challenging childhood and a lot of difficulties in her life. She comes before the court with three previous convictions, which were minor matters. She has no previous drug or public order convictions.’

Judge Carroll said she acknowledged that Ms Rowley had health issues and had had some problems with alcohol in the past.

The judge imposed 60 hours of community service in lieu of four months in prison in relation to the first sale and supply of drugs charge.

For the second sale and supply charge, the judge imposed a three-months sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Judge Carroll also issued a probation bond for 12 months in relation to the possession charge, on condition that Ms Rowley cooperates with the Probation Service, attends all appointments and gets alcohol addiction treatment.

Further conditions are that Ms Rowley engages in training or employment, and attends counselling.

The charge for possession of cannabis resin was taken into account.

The judge also applied the Probation Act in relation to the money laundering charge, directing gardaí to return her €2,870 in savings as they were not deemed to be the proceeds of crime.

A destruction order was issued for all the drugs seized.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.