Medicinal cannabis crop grower avoids time in jail
A cannabis user caught growing six illegal plants with a potential harvest worth £4,000 was given a suspended jail sentence.
A cannabis user caught growing six illegal plants with a potential harvest worth £4,000 was given a suspended jail sentence.
Barrington Lawrence (45) admitted producing cannabis at his home in Beacon Road, Woodhouse Eaves, near Loughborough, on November 4 last year.
Neil Bannister, prosecuting, said police called at Lawrence's home, where he showed them to the back bedroom.
He said: "Growing equipment was installed there.
"He admitted he was responsible for growing the six cannabis plants in the room .
"They were in the mid to late stage of growth, with a potential yield of 850 grams worth £4,060 if it had been in one ounce street deals."
Lawrence pleaded guilty on the basis the cannabis was for personal use.
Mr Bannister said: "It was estimated it would take someone six months to smoke that amount.
"In interview, he said he suffered with epilepsy and smoked a lot of cannabis."
Lawrence received a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, with supervision, and a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement. At Leicester Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Dean QC said: "You've put yourself in jeopardy of going to prison.
"The amount of cannabis you were producing was a relatively large quantity.
"I accept it was for personal use, which is why I'm able to suspended the sentence.
"It's the best way to ensure you face up to, and tackle, the long-standing drug problem you've had.
"Although you've been using cannabis for many years for medicinal purposes, it's not a medicine and it's illegal to use it."
Sian Cutter, mitigating, said: "He assures the court that although he's had some difficulties with a 20-year drug habit he wants to make some progress."
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk 09/07/2014
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