Man who claimed cannabis was for back pain is put in cell at Naas court

A man who claimed he needed cannabis for chronic back pain was temporarily remanded in custody over lunchtime at Naas District Court today.

Alan Mayner Jnr (36) of Calliaghstown, Rathcoole is charged with possession for sale or supply of the 55 grams of drugs which had a street value of €1,100 at his home in July last year.

Lawyers for Mr Mayner said that he needed the cannabis for his own use for arthritis in his back and he consumed up to 3 grams a week for pain relief.

Judge Zaidan said he needed to see official documentary evidence from a medical consultant that the defendant needed the cannabis for his medical condition.

A letter from a consultant at Tallaght General Hospital was presented in court today and it said that the cannabis was helpful in combatting muscle spasms in the lumber area of the defendant's back.

However Judge Zaidan said he would consider the matter and ordered the defendant to be remanded in custody ahead of sentencing in the afternoon.

The judge later fined Mr Mayner €1,000 for possessing the drugs for sale or supply and an additional charge of possession was taken into consideration.