Cannabis user grew plants to feed his habit  

A MAN who turned to cannabis after becoming an alcoholic aged 13 has appeared in court after he began growing his own drugs to save money.

Simon Jeffrey Brierley, 25, admitted producing cannabis at an address in Cwm Clyd, Waunarlwydd.

Police raided the address on November 21 and found a room had been sealed off and set up with watering equipment as well as several bottles of plant food and a dehumidifier.

A second man, Simon Evans, 34, of Llys y Pobydd, Llanelli, was found inside the address when police raided it and also appeared at Swansea Magistrates' Court after being charged with being concerned in the supply of drugs. He was handed a financial penalty.

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Evans told police the house belonged to Brierley. Officers then went to Brierley's home at Cheriton Crescent, Portmead.

In his interview, Brierley admitted growing the plants.

He said his cannabis habit was around £30 a day and prosecutor Lisa Jones said it was accepted he was growing the drugs for his own use.

Police later calculated that the plants could have produced £5,400 of the Class B drug.

Brierley told probation officer Fred Matthews he began having issues with alcohol when he was 11 years old, but was addicted by 13.

Brierley said he had turned to cannabis seven years ago because it reduced his need for alcohol, but had ended up smoking cannabis daily.

Brierley said he researched growing cannabis online and set up the growing system in his house for £240.

"His need for the drug outweighed his common sense," said Mr Matthews.

Steven John, representing Brierley, said his client was trying to produce a "conveyor belt" system, where there would be a constant supply of drugs.

He said his client had now reduced his drugs intake.

City magistrates imposed a 12-month community order including supervision. Brierley was also told to pay a £60 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk 08/03/2013