Woman in arrears tried to sell weed in Waterford
Gardaí found cannabis to the value of over €12,000.
A disabled woman in rent arrears came into possession of a large quantity of cannabis and attempted to sell the drug.
Mellissa Kelleher (51), of Saint Thomas Terrace, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to sell contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
She appeared for sentencing at Waterford Circuit Court last week.
On May 17, 2025, Gardaí executed a search warrant on Kelleher's address and discovered over €12,000 worth of cannabis, both as a herb and in dried resin form.
She told Gardaí that she had discovered the quantity of drugs in a public green area near her home. She said: "I was going to try sell it to help me out of debt. I was going to sell it but I didn't know how. I did a stupid thing."
The court heard that the defendant was in rent arrears of €3,000 and received a weekly disability benefit of €242.
She told Gardaí that she had never used cannabis and was shocked when she learned the value of the drug. She said: "Oh dear. I got myself into a bad situation. I am stupid, thank you for explaining."
Counsel Brian P. O'Shea BL informed the court that his client had no previous convictions and accepts responsibility for the offence.
She received a suspended sentence of two years and six months.
