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UK: Judge rejects plea of cannabis couple

Horncastle News

Sunday 24 Jul 2011

A DONINGTON ON BAIN couple who agreed to turn their caravan into a cannabis factory after running into financial difficulties have failed to persuade top judges to cut their jail terms.

Graham Oliver, 58, and his wife Mary Oliver, 55, both of Lime Pit Cottage, were facing hard times after running up debts when their electrical and gas fitting business collapsed and Mr Oliver suffered a "mental breakdown."

It was at this low point in the spring of last year that the couple were offered £1,800 by a mysterious "man from Bradford" in return for allowing their caravan to be used for growing cannabis.

The couple were each jailed for 18 months at Lincoln Crown Court on March 18 this year, having pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

And last Tuesday they each asked Lord Justice Hughes, Mr Justice Bean and Mr Justice Blake, sitting at London's Criminal Appeal Court, to reduce their sentences, claiming they did not deserve to be treated so harshly.

The court heard that the "man from Bradford", whose identity was never discovered, installed heating and lighting systems at the caravan - with the cost going onto the Olivers' own electric bill.

The couple were to be paid £1,800 for acting as gardeners and watering and pruning the plants.

But in June last year police were "tipped off" and raided the caravan, finding 94 cannabis plants.

Lawyers for the pair today argued they had been "exploited" by a man who had sensed they were in a "vulnerable" position, and ought not to have been jailed for so long.

Mr Justice Bean said: "This was a couple who were down on their luck. They were in a very bad financial state."

But, refusing their appeals, he added: "They owned the caravan and went into this enterprise with their eyes open.

"We are unable to say that the sentences of 18 months was manifestly excessive."

http://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/news/crime/judge_rejects_plea_of_cannabis_couple_1_2897417

 

 

 

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