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Selling drugs is morally reprehensible and completely illegal, but not so according to one dealer. He says he was hocking narcotics to keep people's spirits up.

Many a fanciful defence has been used over the years to try to get off drugs charges, but this Dublin man has found a new slant - claiming he was providing a public service.

Michael Tighe (37) of Kenilworth Square, Rathgar, Dublin was found in possession of ecstasy, horse tranquillisers and cannabis to name but a few when Gardaí raided his house. Tighe used the drugs as well as selling them, but said he was only trying to lift people's spirits.

Most of the drugs were sold at parties to his friends. Tighe claims this was only to create a good buzz for everyone as an antidote to "today's gloomy climate".

Tighe pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession for sale or supply of €3,750 of drugs. Judge Martin Nolan didn't quite buy the 'party' defence and gave Tighe a three-year suspended sentence.

The recession may be a bit 'gloomy', but there are probably a few better, less illegal, ways to counteract its effects.