Prolific offender spared jail after growing “haphazard and amateurish” cannabis farm in his Northamptonshire flat
A 36-year-old man with an “appalling” criminal record has avoided jail after he created a cannabis farm in his flat in Daventry.
A 36-year-old man with an “appalling” criminal record has avoided jail after he created a cannabis farm in his flat in Daventry.
Marc Freeth, of Joseph Priestley Court, appeared at Northampton Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to producing an estimated £11,000 worth of cannabis in his home.
The court heard police raided Freeth’s two-bedroom flat on November 26 and gained access through an unlocked door.
Jonathan Dunne, prosecuting, said officers found a total of 27 plants being cultivated in one of the bedrooms using artificial lights.
After being arrested, Freeth told officers he had found out how to grow cannabis on the internet and followed the instructions.
He said he found smoking cannabis “alleviated his health problems” including a back pain.
Mr Dunne said the yield of the plants had an estimated street value of £11,610. On the basis the plants would expect to yield three times a year, the annual yield would be £34,830.
Mr Dunne said the defendant had an “extraordinary” amount of previous convictions, although most were for driving offences and had committed no previous drug-related offences.
In mitigation, Freeth’s barrister admitted his client had an “appalling” record but said the cannabis factory was a “haphazard, amateurish operation”.
Recorder Marcus Tregilas-Davey sentenced Freeth to 10 months in jail, suspended for two years. He also gave him a four-month curfew from 7am to 7pm. He must pay a victim surcharge of £100.
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