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UK: Grandfather spared jail for cannabis 'hobby'
Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Tuesday 06 Feb 2007 A MAN whose grandson is feared drowned in the River Nene was spared jail when he appeared in court on a drugs offence. Stephen Maker (52), from Hinchcliffe, in Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday to be sentenced for cultivating dozens of cannabis plants in his house. The prosecution outlined how on December 13 last year, police officers handing out SmartWater in the Ortons went round the back of Maker’s home after smelling marijuana fumes. When they entered the property, they discovered 46 plants and electrical lamps used to stimulate growth. Maker admitted growing the Class C drug and, during a previous court hearing, he pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis plants. However, he insisted they were purely for his own use and told police how he used them mainly with food, on a daily basis to ease pain and stress, and only occasionally smoked them. Defence solicitor Andrew Cave said Maker had endured a “troubled” family life and revealed that he had been going through a traumatic ordeal over the last few days. Mr Cave revealed how Maker’s 15-year-old grandson is believed to have died after falling into the water at Ferry Meadows Country Park on Saturday. Mr Cave said: “He started smoking cannabis when his first son was born with Down’s syndrome. His wife rejected the child and he had to go into care. “His second child has leukaemia and lives in the house with them. They had huge problems, but stuck with the marriage and have been together for 29 years. He also holds down a full time job. “He said it started off as a hobby. He has been growing for a number of years. It is medicinal, to cope with pain and stress.” Mr Cave added: “The young child lost in Ferry Meadows is this gentleman’s grandchild, his son’s child.” District judge Ken Sheraton said: “Clearly this was long-standing and a very serious offence which merits a custodial sentence. Because there are no previous convictions, this will be suspended.” Mr Maker was given a three-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to undertake 100 hours of community work under supervision. The drugs were destroyed and Maker was ordered to pay £70 costs. http://www.peterboroughnow.co.uk/
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