Man growing cannabis in tent in Clonbern bedroom gets second chance

A CLONBERN-based man found growing cannabis in a tent in his bedroom, appealed for leniency from Judge Geoffrey Browne at Tuam Court as he didn't want a drugs conviction following him for the rest of his life. The Court heard that Gardai acting on information searched the home of David Chippendale in Clonbern. They found a tent erected in a bedroom. It was five feet high and had a light inside with two cannabis plants growing in pots. They also found cannabis seeds and a grinder. [private] Chippendale's solicitor pleaded that the defendant came to live in Ireland from the UK in 2000. In 2002 tragedy struck for him when his daughter was killed in a horse riding accident. This led to him becoming depressed and unable to work. After he returned to work he suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with bi-polar depression. Because of his very severe heart condition he was advised not to work. He hit a low point in his life and experienced financial difficulties. He started using cannabis to help him with his difficulties. He purchased the cannabis seeds on line and had co-operated fully with Gardai in this matter. Chippendale is a field service engineer with a very extensive CV, the Court heard. He is hoping to get work in Germany, which will involve travelling to the USA, and the Middle East and a drugs conviction would make this difficult. He made a mistake but doesn't want this one mistake to follow him for the rest of his life, his solicitor pleaded. Judge Browne said the best course would be to adjourn the matter for 12 months to see how he gets on. 'Mr Chippendale, no more tents. This is a chance to start a new life. Best of luck and I hope things go well for you,' he told the defendant. [/private]