No prison term for drug farmer caught with plants

A cannabis farmer caught with plants worth £ 24,000 at his Motherwell home has avoided a prison sentence.

Jordan Lee admitted cultivating the Class B drug and being concerned in its supply in Merry Street in May last year.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard he led police to his illegal crop after his van caused an obstruction on the road.

Officers stopped to ask him to move items that were blocking their way, then detected a strong smell of cannabis.

Liza Lann, prosecuting, said it led to them searching Lee’s home and finding a bedroom “totally dedicated” to cannabis cultivation. There were 60 cannabis plants in total. Lee, 36, now of Main Street, Bellshill, also admitted unlawful possession of a bladed item - an ice axe - and using a van without insurance.

His lawyer, Diarmid Bruce, admitted a prison sentence would be “appropriate”, but pointed out Lee has not faced charges like this before and his record is minor.

Mr Bruce urged the sheriff to impose an alternative to custody, saying: “He has a young family to look after.

“When this happened he had a number of problems, was unemployed and took solace in alcohol and drugs. He made a bad error of judgment.

“Since then he has addressed issues. He now has a job and is working in Inverness, Aberdeen - all over the country.”

Sheriff Bicket fined Lee £450 for possession of the ice axe which the accused claimed belonged to his cousin who had lent him the van.

He was fined £250 for having no insurance and had six penalty points put on his driving licence.

On the drugs charges, the sheriff ordered him to carry out 300 hours of unpaid community work - the maximum available - within a year.

He told Lee: “You will do it where and when you’re told and you’ll do it properly.

“It’s a direct alternative to custody so if you don’t do it that’s what will happen.”