Cannabis plantation in Lambourn

AN EASTBURY woman accused of running a cannabis plantation has pleaded guilty to drugs charges.

However, a judge ruled that a raft of animal welfare charges also facing Nicola Sally Henton must be sent back to magistrates for disposal.
When she appeared in the dock at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, November 6, the 50-year-old admitted one count of possessing 114 grams of female flowering heads of cannabis, plus one charge of growing 26 plants of the Class B controlled drug.
Both offences were committed at Upper Lambourn on May 21 this year.
Henton, formerly of Old Wantage Road, Upper Lambourn, gave a more recent address in Eastbury Fields.
At a previous hearing before Newbury magistrates, Helen Waite prosecuting, said neighbours had been alerted by a strong smell of cannabis.
Police who subsequently raided the property found what amounted to a cannabis plantation, she added.
The animal welfare charges arose from what the officers saw while they were conducting their search, the court heard.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent all the matters to the Crown court.
At the Crown court hearing, Henton admitted possessing cannabis on the basis that it was not for supply to others. This was contested by the prosecution and a Newton hearing – a mini trial to establish the facts – must now be held on December 1, ahead of sentencing.
A Newton hearing is necessary when the judge considers that the difference in prosecution and defence accounts would amount to a material difference in sentencing.
Henton also faces 38 charges involving allegations of animal neglect and failure to ensure the proper welfare of a number of horses and dogs.
The charges involving dogs concern a range of breeds including chihuahuas, a doberman, a whippet, a Bedlington terrier, Jack Russells, lurcher crosses, a German shepherd, Chinese crested dogs and an assortment of cross-breed puppies.
The charges typically involve allegations of lack of food and water, poor living conditions, parasite infestations and disease.
The charges involving horses are similar in nature and relate to two mares and a gelding.

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2014/cannabis-plantation-in-lambourn 20/11/2014