It could have meant losing precious time with Cian but improving his quality of life came first

A DESPERATE Derry man whose son suffers from a rare incurable disease said he willingly risked prison to grow cannabis for medicinal oil to improve his child’s quality of life.

 

- Ursula Duddy

Chris McDaid and his partner Lynda McIntyre’s 10-year-old son Cian suffers from a rare and incurable neuro degenerative disease called Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T).

A-T has many symptoms including difficulty with movement and co-ordination, a weakened immune system and an increased risk of cancer.

Many sufferers die before their 20th birthday.

Chris, who has a degree in Marine Science, carried out years of research into the medicinal uses of cannabis and has been in contact with a Canadian family, the Thompsons, who have two children who suffer from the disease which, although rare, is genetic.

The Thompson family have been able to treat their children with cannabis oil as it is legal in Canada.

They have been documenting the positive effects of medical marijuana on the children online and it was this evidence that spurred Chris to grow the type of cannabis needed to produce the oil.

Having seen the results, Chris felt he had no choice but to grow his own cannabis in a desperate bid to help his son, whose condition is worsening.

However, on October 23, 2015, An Garda Síochána searched the house where Chris was growing the marijuana at Carrigans in County Donegal.

He was arrested and pleaded guilty at Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court to possession and cultivation of cannabis.

However, from the outset he told the Gardaí his motivation was to help his seriously-ill son.

Last Thursday, Chris was before Letterkenny court for sentencing and faced the possibility of a maximum sentence of 14 years.

He was represented by solicitor, Frank Dorrian, and barrister, Seán MacAodha.

Mr MacAodha told the court that the Gardaí had reported there were 100 plants but 85 of those were cuttings in a small tray. In actuality, there were only 14 plants.