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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Cannabis campaigner convicted of drug possession (Neil Morgan)
Wales On Line Wednesday 03 Sep 2008 It took a jury at Cardiff Crown Court just under 25 minutes to return the unanimous verdicts on Neil Morgan, who claimed he was fighting for “the right to exist”. During a two-day trial, the 53-year-old told the court he had been growing cannabis for 30 years, and that this was the 15th time he had appeared in court charged with such offences. Morgan, of Heol Tawe, Ystradgynlais, South Wales, denied two charges of possessing cannabis and two charges of cultivating the Class C drug, but was found guilty of all offences. Judge Philip Richards told the jury in summing up: “We cannot live in a society where everyone is free to say: ’My view is that the law is irrational’. “The law is determined by Parliament. The law doesn’t work on the basis of what individuals think the law should be.” He warned Morgan to expect to be jailed when he is sentenced later this month following a pre-sentence report, adding: “I’m not promising you anything. The likely sentence is going to be a custodial sentence.” Morgan’s home in Heol Tawe, Ystradgynlais, South Wales, was raided by police officers on July 17 and December 19 last year. On the first occasion, police found 148 cannabis plants and 314.24g of herbal cannabis. In the second raid, officers found 104 cannabis plants, and 328.6g of cannabis leaves and small flowering buds from the plants. Gardening tools and growing equipment were found on both occasions. In police interviews, Morgan said all of the cannabis seized was for his personal use. Morgan, who represented himself, told the jury during the trial: “You are all aware of the fact I grow cannabis, there is no doubt about that. I have to accept in law that I am guilty on that point. “I’m fighting for the right to exist, no more than that. “I’m not interfering with anyone’s existence at all, I keep myself to myself and live quietly and peacefully. “It’s irrational discrimination to be allowed to produce alcohol without interference, yet I’m here before you trying hard to make a case for my liberty. “That’s why I’m appealing for the jury to help me out on this one.” Morgan admitted breaching a 12-month suspended sentence given at Swansea Crown Court on July 6 last year for producing cannabis, and was warned he may also now be sentenced for that offence. The court heard he had a total of 20 previous drug offences. He was released on bail and will be sentenced on September 24.
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