05/10/2007 00:00:00
UK: UKP9,000 amateur cannabis farm in terraced house
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AN addict behind a £9,000 cannabis farm in a rented terrace house in
Brierfield has walked free from court.
Burnley Crown Court heard that Steven Aspinall's efforts to provide
ventilation for the hydroponic system were so inept neighbours in
Belgrave Street called in police after smelling the drug.
Officers found 600 plants but the defendant claimed they were all for
his own use, to feed his 60 joint, £120-a-day habit.
The court was told one defence expert witness had reported he had never
before come across a cannabis user with such a heavy addiction.
The drugs could have been worth up to £9,000 on the streets and Aspinall
later admitted he supplied family and friends.
Aspinall, who had had to abandon training to be a plumber because of his
habit, had a young daughter and would clear the house of plants if she
visited, the judge heard.
The defendant, said to suffer anxiety, depression and be in a "fragile"
state of health, admitted producing cannabis. He was given a 12-month
jail term, suspended for two years with 18 months supervision.
Sentencing, Recorder Philip Butler told Aspinall he would be able to
take steps to kick his habit while at liberty but warned that jail
awaited if he flouted the court order.
Mr Jeremy Grout-Smith (prosecuting) said last November, a police officer
called at 1-30 p.m. and Aspinall was caught running from the back door.
Cannabis plants in various states of growth were found in the kitchen,
two bedrooms and loft and the bathroom was also being used for
production. Digital scales and a grinder were also discovered.
He had a previous conviction for importing cannabis.
Mr Philip Holden (defending) said the attempt at cannabis growing was
amateurish.
The hyrdroponic system was poor, some of the plants were diseased and it
was a crude system set up by Aspinall to feed his own, expensive habit.
The defendant had been receiving medication for anxiety and depression
and it was desperation that led him to set up the cannabis farm. He had
not been living a lavish lifestyle. The barrister added: "He wants to
try to rid himself off his addiction and get himself a job."
http://www.burnleyexpress.net/burnley-news/9000-amateur-cannabis-farm-in.3268770.jp
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12889
Author:
Burnley Espress via UKCIA
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