A drug dealer who claimed he was selling narcotics to raise people’s moods “during today’s gloomy climate” has been given a suspended sentence.

Michael Tighe (37) was found with ketamine, ecstasy, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and cannabis when gardaí raided his home. In an interview he said he did not see himself as a drug dealer as he only sold to friends at parties. He said he sold drugs to create the best possible atmosphere, given “today’s gloomy climate”. He also used them to self-medicate for his depression.

Tighe, of Kenilworth Square, Rathgar, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession for sale or supply of €3,750 worth of ketamine and ecstasy on June 24th, 2011. Smaller amounts of other drugs were found in his home. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a three-year sentence, suspended for three years.