72-year-old Norwich man became cannabis dealer to boost pension and fund funeral

Norwich pensioner Arthur Merrick who pleaded guilty to growing cannabis at his Southwell Road flat

A Norwich pensioner became a cannabis grower and dealer in his 70s - to boost his £170-a-week pension and fund his funeral, a court heard.

Arthur Merrick used his Southwell Road flat to produce the plants, and built up a network up about 20 buyers.

The father of five and grandfather of 13 began his illicit trade after being approached by a stranger while walking his dog.

He told Norwich Crown Court yesterday that he only supplied people over 35, including some who were using the drug for "medicinal" purposes.

Merrick, who was in court on his 72nd birthday, escaped jail and was told by Judge Nicholas Coleman: "It was a calculated act to generate funds."

The former bricklayer and taxi driver, who moved to Norwich from London about five years ago, admitted growing 40 cannabis plants and was jailed for eight months, suspended for 18 months.

Merrick was ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work and pay £250 towards prosecution costs for the offence.

Speaking after the case Merrick said: "I wouldn't deal with youngsters. Some of them used it as medication. One bloke up the road had a big operation. He said what the doctor gave him he couldn't sleep with but with a joint or two at night he could sleep.

"Most of them said they could have it so they could relax and unwind in the evening. I considered in one way that I was doing the community a bit of a favour."

He said he started growing cannabis earlier this year after "chatting to a bloke" while they were walking their dogs. The other man asked Merrick if he knew what "grass" was and suggested he grow it and they halve the profit.

Merrick said he agreed to it as he had to get his car fixed and thought it might cover the cost of his funeral.

He said: "I wanted the money to pay for my funeral before I die because I don't want my kids to be burdened with it."

Merrick was told what to do and grew the drugs from a spare room in his flat and used his own electricity/ which cost him about £50 a week.

He said: "In total after expenses I don't suppose I made £400 - certainly not enough to get the car fixed."

Merrick, who admitted he was "a bit of an alcoholic", said he never used any of the drugs himself and wished he had not have got involved.

He said: "I know it was all wrong. I regret it. I really thought I was going to going to go to prison."

Earlier Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said Merrick had been frank with police about what he had done and admitted it was for commercial profit.

Michael Clare, for Merrick, said he used the cash he got from selling the cannabis to run his car and buy vodka.

Mr Clare added: "He is of limited means and it is that which led him into offending in this way."

He said Merrick got a pension of £170 a week.

Sentencing him, Judge Nicholas Coleman said: "It was not a particularly sophisticated operation; however it was a calculated act to generate funds."

He added: "You have learnt your lesson."

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/72_year_old_norwich_man_became_cannabis_dealer_to_boost_pension_and_fund_funeral_1_3794224 04/10/2014