Man grew drug due to lockdown

USER COULDN’T MEET DEALERS SO DECIDED TO PRODUCE OWN

A MAN turned to growing his own cannabis when the lockdown meant he could not get in touch with any dealers – but police officers sniffed out what he was up to.

Officers detected the aroma of cannabis coming from Matthew Dagley’s home in Victoria Street, Melton, in May.

They found six plants, as well as lights and ventilation equipment.

Dagley, 45, who had tampered with the mains electricity supply, appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court and admitted a single charge of cannabis cultivation.

Prosecutor Sally Bedford said police were in Dagley’s neighbourhood on other inquiries on May 11 when they smelled the class B drug.

Ms Bedford said: “They went into the house and found an area had been set up to grow cannabis. The electricity had been bypassed and there were lights, fans and six cannabis plants which were clearly in the early stages of growth.

“He was arrested and interviewed and said that due to Covid-19 he had decided to grow his own.

“He said he had a significant habit and was spending £50 to £100 a week on this particular drug.”

Debbie Hubbard, representing Dagley, said: “A friend who owns the property asked him to live there because it was being vandalised.

“When he got there he found it was in a complete state and he was told if he did it up, he could live rent free.

“While cleaning it up he found the hydroponic equipment scattered around various rooms.

“He did nothing with it until lockdown came.

“When he realised there was going to be a problem getting drugs from suppliers because of the lockdown, he decided to grow his own.

“He told police he had a problem with cannabis and made full admissions during interview. He has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.”

Magistrates fined Dagley £346 and ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £35.

The bench also ordered the confiscation and destruction of the cannabis and the cultivation equipment.