Cafe boss cannabis farmer walks free from crown court

CAFE boss caught growing a cannabis farm in his loft has avoided jail.

Simon Sheridan was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years after admitting growing 15 plants at his home in Macclesfield.

The 33-year-old was caught when there was a flood at his house on Park Lane.

While he walked free of Chester Crown Court Sheridan was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

At a previous hearing Macclesfield magistrates’ court heard that police were called to Park Lane when a member of the public reported water started to leak out of the home into the street.

When they searched the house, officers traced the leak to the loft and discovered a cannabis set-up, magistrates heard, magistrates heard.

There were eight plants of 24cm in height, four at 48cm and three at 72cm as well as complex set up

Aof hydroponic, lighting and venting systems.

Sheridan eventually returned to the property and was arrested. At the hearing on January 14 Sheridan, admitted producing a controlled drug.

The court heard that Sheridan owns the Society Cafe in Macclesfield.

Debbie Byrne, prosecuting, said: “On September 28 at 11.45pm PC Oldfield was called to a house on Park Lane after a member of the public was concerned about water running from the property.

“The officer could see water pouring down the ground floor window and ceiling.

“PC Oldfield forced entry and followed the water upstairs.

“He could see it coming from the loft.

“In the loft he found 15 cannabis plants in pots, lighting and a large green container which was leaking. There was foil all over the loft and venting ducts around the loft.

“The officer called for assistance from the electricity company because of the dangers.”

The court heard that at 3.50am the defendant’s girlfriend arrived at the property.

Mrs Byrne added: “She told police she didn’t know anything about it and got the defendant on the phone.

“Mr Shepherd then attended the house and admitted being the owner of the plants.

“During questioning the defendant told officers that he was growing for personal use.

“He admitted trying to grow previously but had failed. He said since then he had spent £700 on hydroponics equipment.

“He said it was the first time he had got the plants to that stage. He told officers he had smoked cannabis for two years and spent about £270 a week on it. He said he had used the internet to learn how to grow it.”

At the magistrates hearing Sheridan, who was defending himself, said nothing.

There will be a proceeds of crime hearing at Chester Crown Court on June 30.