Trucker facing £64k proceeds of crime action

Cannabis grower from Angus had 13 plants

A long-distance trucker who grew a secret stash of cannabis to alleviate medical problems has been placed on a year-long community payback order.

Neil Hutcheson is also facing a £60,000-plus proceeds of crime action over the raid on his mini-farm hidden away in a garage at his rural home between Dundee and Glamis.

The 55-year-old appeared for sentence before Sheriff Jillian MartinBrown at Forfar Sheriff Court having previously admitted producing the drug at his home on March 22 this year.

Hutcheson originally appeared on petition in relation to the offence but the matter was reduced to summary complaint level.

Depute fiscal Stewart Duncan said police arrived at the accused’s house just before 9am having obtained a search warrant.

At the back of the garage officers found two rooms kitted out to grow the drug, containing 13 plants and more than 450 grams of drying herbal cannabis.

He admitted cultivating the drug for personal use.

Defence solicitor Brian Bell said: “The report before the court indicates his regret and remorse for his actions.

“Due to principally medical reasons, he found the consumption of this particular controlled substance to be a benefit.

“There is no suggestion he was involved in supply, although there was originally a charge for that on petition.”

Mr Bell told the court the Crown is seeking a sum totalling £64,000 in a Proceeds of Crime action which is due to be heard later this month.

Hutcheson was made the subject of a year-long CPO with a supervision condition attached.