Disabled man with muscular dystrophy grew £6k worth of cannabis in his Cleethorpes home  

A DISABLED man who grew £6,000 worth of cannabis in his home has been told: "Don't do it again."

Ian Hooten, 41, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, admitted cultivating cannabis at his home in Redwood Drive, Cleethorpes, on July 4 last year.

He also admitted possessing the drug.

Sentencing Hooten to a 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work at Grimsby Crown Court, Recorder David Bradshaw said: "You have to get the message that whatever your difficulties, you cannot grow cannabis.

"You must guard against sliding back.

"Don't do it again."

Prosecuting, Stephen Welch said police attended Hooten's home after a call from East Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics after Hooten had complained of breathing difficulties.

After police detected a strong smell of cannabis, Hooten gave them permission to search his home.

Mr Welch said the defendant allowed police in without a warrant and said: "Here it is."

They found a total of 31 cannabis plants growing in a bedroom and on a rack in the bathroom.

They had specialist lighting and fans to assist in the cultivation and a quantity of cannabis resin in bars was also found.

A set of weighing scales was also discovered.

Mr Welch said the potential street value of the haul was £6,140.

He told how Hooten had a similar previous conviction from more than ten years ago.

Mr Welch said the plants were cultivated for Hooten's own use and there was no evidence that it was for financial gain.

In interview, Hooten said he had found out how to grow cannabis by browsing on the internet.

He told police: "I have muscular dystrophy.

"No one cares and I have no joy in life."

The weighing scales, he said, were bought at a car boot sale and were an ornament.

For Hooten, Simon Hirst said his client had never supplied cannabis.

Although police discovered 28 plants, only 15 were of any use to Hooten, he said, adding that the cannabis was only for his own use.

Mr Hirst said: "In many ways this is the best thing that could have happened to him.

"He has given up taking cannabis and said he has never felt better.

"He had fallen into a rut.

"He would not see anyone during the day."

http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk 31/03/2014