Cannabis farm woman faces losing home after third drug-growing charge

Wendy Higginbotham, 48, was told by a judge she was on her ‘last chance'.

A woman caught converting her home into a drugs factory three times could now face the boot from the property.

Wendy Higginbotham, 48, was told by a judge she was on her ‘last chance'.

Landlord Salix Homes, which manages 8,500 homes across Salford, and the New Barracks Tenant Management Co-operative sought legal action against Higginbotham, of Regent Square, Ordsall.

Higginbotham, 48, appeared at Manchester Civil Justice Centre, where the judge granted Salix a six-year Suspended Possession Order - the longest of its kind ever handed out in Salford.

Under the terms of the Order, Higginbotham must adhere to the terms of her tenancy agreement and must not allow any illegal drugs in the property at any time. If she is found to be in breach of the order within the next six years, she could lose her home.

Salix can also carry out unannounced inspections at the property at any time.

In September 2012, police raided the property and discovered 50 cannabis plants growing in an upstairs room. It was the third time a cannabis farm had been discovered by police at the property.

In July last year, Higginbotham was convicted of the cultivation of the Class B drug cannabis and was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

The judge at Manchester Civil Justice Centre warned Higginbotham that she was now on her ‘last chance'.

Claire Taylor, tenancy enforcement manager at Salix Homes, said: "We welcome the judge's decision to grant Salix Homes a record six-year Suspended Possession Order in this case.

"If Wendy Higginbotham is found to be in breach of the Order, we now have the legal right to enforce the possession order, which could lead to eviction.

"Salix Homes takes a zero tolerance approach towards our properties being used for criminal purposes. The cultivation and supply of drugs causes a real blight in our communities and we hope this case sends out a clear message that we will always take action against tenants who are convicted of criminal behaviour in our properties and across our estates."

This year the government gave the go-ahead for Salford council to ballot tenants over plans to transfer the 8,500 council-owned properties to Salix

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/wendy-higginbotham-cannabis-farm-charge-7532813 30/07/2014