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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Probation for man who grew cannabis in his loft
Hamilton Advertiser
Friday 11 Aug 2006 A MAN who had 40 cannabis plants in his loft this week avoided a jail term. John Cumming was sentenced to 18 months’ probation, but now faces action under proceeds of crime legislation. The Advertiser understands that prosecutors are bidding to recover from the 46-year-old Larkhall dad £48,000 they say was derived from criminal activity. At Hamilton Sheriff Court on June 28, Cumming, of Cander Street, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He appeared before Sheriff Petra Collins, for sentence, on Tuesday. The court had been told how on April 28 last year police went to Cumming’s house in connection with the disappearance of his wife. She had absconded from Hairmyres Hospital where she had been a patient. Officers became suspicious when they noticed in the house a horticultural book on the subject of the indoor cultivation of marijuana. They searched the property and discovered in the loft a hydroponic cannabis-growing system, with 40 plants being cultivated in water under lights. Police estimated that the plants would yield between 280 and 560 grammes of cannabis with a street value of between £1400 and £2800. Cumming admitted to police that he was growing cannabis for others, but claimed the weed was only meant for members of his own family. The accused’s lawyer, solicitor-advocate Charles Ferguson, described Cumming as a devoted husband and family man who had not been in trouble since 1988. He had brought up three children on his own because his wife of 23 years had health problems. He had also, for four years, looked after his 85-year-old mother-in-law, explained Mr Ferguson. The lawyer added: “Because of his difficulties with his wife’s illness, he had been placed under considerable stress and his mental health started to deteriorate. “He suffered from depression and sought solace in cannabis. “He was a regular user and in order to save money, started to grow his own.” The court was told that Cumming’s wife had recently died. Cumming could lose his house if the Crown are successful in recovering from him money they say came from crime. The action under proceeds of crime legislation will be heard at the court on September 19. http://iclanarkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/
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