The victim of a so-called punishment shooting in Derry is set to be referred to a “pain relief clinic” after the local Magisrates Court heard he took cannabis to control ongoing pain he suffered as the result of the attack.
Conor McGinley (22), of Shepherds Glen in the Waterside, admitted the “simple possession” of the drug earlier this year,
A prosecutor told the court the accused “made full admissions” following the discovery of a small bag of cannabis resin discovered during a search of his home by police on 13 July.
Defence solicitor, Cormac McKeown, told the court McGinley had been the victim of a “punishment shooting a number of years ago” and the drug was for his “own personal use” as he still suffered pain as a result of the attack.
Mr McKeown added: “He occasionally uses it to make the pain managable.”
Mr McKeown said McGinley was due to become a father and had “dramatically reduced” his drug intake.
Resident Magistrate, Barney McElholm, said he would refer the accused for counselling and attendance at a “pain relief clinic” following the preparation of pre-sentence reports.
Sentencing was adjourned until 24 October next.
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