A Craigavon man who tried to grow magic mushrooms in a bag of rice has been handed community service and probation.
The 33-year-old’s solicitor explained that his client had attempted to produce the Class A substance from spores he purchased on the internet.
Christopher James Murphy, of Dromore Road, appeared for sentencing on two counts of possession of a Class B drug, possession of Class C and attempted production of Class A at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that the discoveries were made during a planned search of the defendant’s home on May 1, of this year.
During this, officers first located three syringes of liquid mushroom spores in a beer fridge in the living room, while further spores were found inside resealed bags of Uncle Ben’s rice.
Upstairs in the property, police also seized a quantity of herbal cannabis, amphetamines and pregabalin.
Murphy was arrested as a result and made full admission during interview whilst in custody.
Defence solicitor John McAtamney commented: “He made full admissions from the start and pleaded at the earliest opportunity.”
The solicitor informed the court that his client had been taking cannabis in order to sleep, with the amphetamines and pregabalin having been left at the property by friends.
Turning to the mushroom spores, Mr McAtamney explained that Murphy had purchased them for £20 from the internet and had attempted “unsuccessfully” to grow them in a bag of rice.
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “Mr Murphy, there are serious offences of that there is no doubt, however, the presentence report is positive.”
Murphy was sentenced to a combination order, consisting of 12 months probation and 80 hours community service.
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