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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Drug grower given chance to avoid jail
Plymouth Herald Monday 06 Jun 2011 Prosecutor Alex Allsop told Plymouth Crown Court that on December 13 last year, police were called to Whitleigh Green by Matthew Capel's partner. She told them he was growing cannabis in their bedroom and she was concerned her daughter might find it. Officers searched the property, finding seven immature plants between 5cm and one metre tall, hydroponic equipment, extension leads and three bongs. He initially told police he was growing it for a friend, but later admitted his cannabis habit was getting worse and worse, and it was for his own use. The offence breached a previous one-year suspended sentence imposed for growing 38 cannabis plants in his loft. Jason Beal said his client, who pleaded guilty to producing a class B drug, had hit rock bottom. "He was a habitual and entrenched cannabis user," he said. But Mr Beal revealed that since being caught, Capel had joined Drug Addicts Anonymous, attending meetings twice a week and already completing nine steps of the 12-step programme and sponsoring others. He had referred himself to the Harbour Centre, completed its course and recorded two negative voluntary drug tests. Capel had not taken cannabis for six months, his health had improved and he was doing voluntary work, said Mr Beal. He added: "He hopes to relocate to another area of Devon, away from his associates and where he can provide for his family. "He has addressed the real root of his offending and is determined not to slide back." Judge Francis Gilbert QC told Capel, aged 36 and from St Chad's Close, Whitleigh, that he had intended to send him straight to jail. But he added: "I will defer your sentence for six months so you can prove to the court that you are free of drugs and will comply with the law. If you succeed, you will not receive immediate custody. "It is up to you to demonstrate that this really is a turning point, and if it is you deserve to keep your liberty. http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Drug-grower-given-chance-avoid-jail/article-3628578-detail/article.html
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