Arthritis sufferer grew cannabis to relieve pain
ARTHRITIS sufferer Andrew Gibbons grew cannabis at his home to help alleviate his pain.
ARTHRITIS sufferer Andrew Gibbons grew cannabis at his home to help alleviate his pain.
Police visited Gibbons's home in William Street, Fenton, on January 26, North Staffordshire magistrates heard.
Prosecutor Sandra Whitehurst said an officer went in a back bedroom and saw it was converted into a cannabis factory with 14 plants.
Gibbons was arrested and was fully co-operative with police. He said he would not sell drugs. He said the cannabis would assist his arthritis pain.
Gibbons, aged 49, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis.
Gary Corbett, mitigating, said the plants were not close to maturity and no estimated yield was calculated by officers.
He said: "The defendant was growing the plants for personal use to alleviate a medical problem as he had difficulty with arthritis.
"Alcohol and cannabis have featured in his life but he has stayed out of trouble for 10 years, a significant gap."
Magistrates sentenced Gibbons to a 12-month community order with 12 months' supervision and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.
He must also pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk 28/02/2013
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