06/07/2007 00:00:00
UK: Gran wins cannabis home use row
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A grandmother convicted of growing cannabis at her Northumberland
cottage, can continue using the drug at home.
Patricia Tabram, 68, from Humshaugh, was found guilty in March of
possessing and cultivating cannabis, which she says is used for pain relief.
Her landlord, Milecastle Housing, said she was in breach of her tenancy
agreement and threatened to evict her.
But after a court hearing in Newcastle, Mrs Tabram was told she could
continue to use cannabis treatments in her home.
However, Milecastle Housing warned that if Mrs Tabram was convicted for
either cultivating or supplying the drug in the next two years, she
would be evicted.
Mrs Tabram claimed the decision was a victory for her way of life.
She said she would continue to take cannabis medicinally - but would no
longer attempt to cultivate the drug at home.
Mrs Tabram appeared at Newcastle County Court, after the housing
association sought permission to evict her for breaching her tenancy
agreement.
Bill Tebay, chief executive of Milecastle Housing, said after the
hearing: "If she is convicted of supply or cultivation, we will take action.
"The judgement as it stands means that we will not be taking action if
she uses cannabis in her premises.
Walking sticks
"But it is important to note that this judgement is specific to her and
that Milecastle Housing have got a very specific policy about illegal
use of drugs in its premises."
Mrs Tabram said: "I will be taking my medicine five times a day to be
pain free 24 hours a day.
"That means I don't have to go down the route of using two walking
sticks, having a neck brace or having to be looked after by home helps."
Mrs Tabram was arrested in 2005 when police raided her bungalow.
She was in breach of a six-month suspended jail sentence when officers,
acting on a tip-off, found cannabis plants and growing equipment in a
walk-in wardrobe.
She was subsequently convicted at Carlisle Crown Court.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/6278802.stm
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12674
Author:
BBC News via UKCIA
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