Police find nine cannabis plants in South Molton house loft
A MAN who grew nine cannabis plants in a loft appeared at North Devon Magistrates' Court on Friday.
A MAN who grew nine cannabis plants in a loft appeared at North Devon Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Andrew Rimmington, 30, of Corporation Street, Barnstaple, pleaded guilty to producing the class B drug.
Lyndsey Baker, for the prosecution, told the court police had spotted a cannabis leaf on Rimmington's computer desk on July 5.
Officers noticed the smell of cannabis. Rimmington told them he was growing the plants in the loft of a house in South Molton.
Mrs Baker said the plants could have produced a yield worth £4,000.
She said: "He was a casual user. He set up a grow room without his partner's knowledge."
Tony Dart, for the defence, said it was a personal operation. He said: "He acquired a number of cuttings to put in a grow bag. It was hardly a sophisticated operation."
Mr Dart said the plants had not reached full maturity and his client said the "alleged value was nonsense".
Officers also found a bag of cannabis in Rimmington's pocket. Mr Dart said the quantity was worth around £5.
Rimmington, whose background is in landscaping, is currently receiving job seekers allowance.
Presiding magistrate Judith Kauntze gave Rimmington a community order of 50 hours unpaid work. He must also pay £60 victim surcharge.
http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk 26/08/2013
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