I was only growing weed to treat son’s cancer
A SHOPKEEPER caught growing cannabis above his jewellers’ shop claimed it was to treat his son’s cancer.
Guy Friedberg, 49, admitted growing the illegal drug at his premises in Ayr’s High Street.
The town’s sheriff court heard police were called after the smell of BY EDWIN LAWRENCE reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk cannabis began wafting out of an open window.
Inside they found 28 plants in various stages of growth, prosecutor Ed Sheeran told the court.
They also found grow tents, heat lamps, a water filtration system, an extraction fan, circulating fans, thermometers and plant food.
Friedberg was arrested and told officers he was growing cannabis to make oil as a treatment for his son’s cancer, which is now in remission.
Defence lawyer Gregor Forbes said his client fully cooperated with police.
He added: “It is the accused’s position that he was growing them not for commercial benefit but for his son.”
Mr Forbes added: “He believes a window had been left open and there was smell in the High Street. It was a misguided, altruistic plan on his part but it did not constitute commercial activity.”
Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart told Friedberg: “Whatever gave rise to you embarking on this fairly well thoughtthrough set-up and operation, the fact of the matter is the production of this drug is illegal.
“Whatever personal circumstances had blighted your family, you are not above the law.”
The sheriff told Friedberg that the usual starting point for a fine for this offence would be £1500 but she reduced it to £1000, payable at £100 per month.