Cannabis farm three spared jail
THREE men have avoided jail following the discovery of a cannabis farm at a Northumberland flat.
Christopher Nicholson, 29, Liam Harkins, 25, and Jay Saunderson, 24, have been convicted of producing the Class B drug after they were busted by police at a one-bedroom property in Ashington.
Newcastle Crown Court heard the cannabis growth was uncovered after police received a tip-off and raided the property on March 19 last year.
Officers were met with a plastic sheet covering from the floor to the ceiling in the bedroom of the flat before discovering 17 cannabis plants, which were equipped with a large ventilation system and seven lamps.
The trio were arrested at the scene but denied dealing the drug and told police they were growing it for personal use.
Nicholson, Harkins and Saunderson later pleaded guilty after being charged with a single count of the production of cannabis.
Michael Bunch, prosecuting, said that the cannabis farm was being maintained by an electricity supply which was being bypassed at the meter to conceal the illicit operation.
Penny Hall, representing Nicholson, said her client was a family man who was highly regarded at his work in a restaurant.
Richard Herman, for Harkins, said his client had a long-term addiction to cannabis but now no longer uses the drug.
Andrew Walker, defending Saunderson, said the operation was a ‘moneysaving exercise’ rather than a moneymaking scheme.
He added: “He has never been in a criminal court in his life. He used cannabis to keep at bay his paranoia. He had a borderline personality disorder. As he saw it, in his case it was an effective suppressor.
“Since then it was heard he has ceased the use of cannabis.”
Judge Penny Moreland spared the three defendants jail, but warned them all that they would be spending time behind bars if they reoffend.
Nicholson, of Pembrooke Court, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to carry out 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirement.
Harkins, of Ariel Street, Ashington was sentenced to nine months in jail, suspended for 12 months.
Saunderson, of Rosalind Street, Ashington, was given a nine-month jail term, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to carry out six months of drug rehabilitation requirement and 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement.