Legally blind pensioner who 'used cannabis to make medicine' is cleared of being a dealer

• Author: Paul Healy
• Published date: 27 July 2021

Evelyn Corrigan (68) of Redwood Close in Kilnamanagh, Dublin, pleaded guilty to possession of 325.7 grams of cannabis at her home on 11 December 2017, but denied selling it — arguing she was only making medicine to treat her pain.

In his closing speech during her trial last week, James Dwyer SC, defending, asked the jury if his client looked like a drug dealer to them.

"Is it suggested she was walking up and down the Square in Tallaght to sell it? Is this Breaking Bad meets Golden Girls?" he asked.

Following a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a jury yesterday returned a verdict of not guilty in relation to the charge of possession of cannabis for sale or supply — and Judge Pauline Codd then dismissed the charge of drug possession under the Probation Act.

And speaking exclusively to The Star from her home following the conclusion of the case yesterday, Ms Corrigan argued that cannabis should be legalised for people in pain, such as her.

"Of course it should (be legalised). For pain, yes," she said.

"So they (people like me) don't have to take so many painkillers that I'm going around dopey and not knowing whether I'm awake or asleep you know?"

Ms Corrigan, who has no convictions, said she was glad the case was finally over, after what she said was an agonising four years.

"I'm glad it's over and I'm glad I wasn't made out to be a drug dealer.

"I did grow it but that's as much as I did.

"I was growing it for my glaucoma and I've got spinal stenosis.

"I don't think it ruined my character at all...