A man who says he's used his time on bail to understand the damage drugs can cause has been sentenced to three years in prison for running a cannabis grow house in county Roscommon. Forty-two-year-old Rimas Abrachimovas told Longford Circuit Court he feels sincere remorse and deep regret for what he called his poor decisions. In a letter of apology, Mr Abrachimovas there are no excuses for his behaviour and that he's truly ashamed of his actions - adding that he now fully understands the harm drug offences cause to families and communities. The court heard he had overcome his own drug addiction five years ago and said he knows first-hand 'the destruction that lifestyle can cause'. A letter from his partner described him as a devoted father and loving partner, saying the experience had been a sobering and painful lesson for their family. She told the court he had always been the main provider for their children, and that his absence will bring both emotional and financial strain.
However, Judge Connolly said Abrachimovas had been caught red-handed, with the entire property - including the attic - repurposed for growing cannabis plants. He said the operation was clearly premeditated and deliberate, noting that Abrachimovas had no addiction issues or financial pressures that could explain his involvement. Judge Connolly called the offending 'an affront to the court', particularly as the accused had previously received a fully suspended sentence for a similar offence. While acknowledging his guilty plea, strong employment record, and family commitments, the judge imposed a headline sentence of six years and eight months, reducing it to five years, with the final two years suspended under strict conditions.
