Cannabis plants potentially worth thousands found in Umberleigh  

Cannabis plants potentially worth thousands found in Umberleigh

Two defendants appeared together at North Devon Magistrates' Court on Friday but faced separate charges.

Mark Richard Thornton, 46, of Redeenen House, Bude, and James Alan Turner, 36, of Bonds Farm Atherington, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis.

Separately, the pair grew several plants inside storage containers they rented in Umberleigh.

Sonia Croft, for the prosecution, told the court both men had said the cannabis was for their own personal use.

Some 37 plants were found inside Thornton's unit worth an estimated value of £18,426 and the 26 plants found in Turner's unit could have fetched £12,940 if the plants reached full maturity.

Tony Dart, who represented Turner, said there was no joint collaboration on the matter.

He said: "He bought some plants, some of them died, some of them survived.

"There was quite a smell which brought attention. Four of the plants had died, he was left with 26. It was for his own personal use."

Mr Dart said Turner was self-employed and couldn't afford to buy cannabis and had decided to grow his own.

He said: "Since he was arrested he has stopped using cannabis. He said he had a right earful from his missus."

Tim Hook represented Thornton. He said this was his client's first time growing cannabis.

He said: "He heard you could grow it and decided to have a crack at it himself.

"There may have been 37 plants there, what value you place on that is quite a contentious matter."

Mel Wright from probation delivered reports on Turner and Thornton.

She said Turner started growing cannabis after he had a nasty experience when he found glass in a batch he had bough previously.

Mrs Wright said Thornton had bought poor quality cannabis previously and decided to grow his own.

She said: "He had been using since he was 12 for medicinal purposes but has cut down.

"He tells me he uses it in food rather than smoking it."

Thornton was told to carry out 200 hours unpaid work and pay £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Turner was told to do 180 hours unpaid work and pay £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

http://www.northdevonjournal.co.uk 26/05/2014