The cannabis den that met a watery end

A DRUG dealer has been jailed for 150 days after his cannabis farm was discovered when its watering system flooded the flat below.

Council officers who forced their way into his flat to mop up the mess discovered eight cannabis plants which were potentially worth more £2,500.

Steven Bowler told Perth Sheriff Court he used the drug himself and gave it to friends.

The 27-year-old, of Balbeggie, Perthshire, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis at his home on July 18 last year. He also admitted having the drug in Scone, Perthshire, the following day.

Fiscal depute Jill Drummond told the court: ‘Perth and Kinross Council officers attended the property with joiners after a report from the occupier of the flat below that water was coming into their property.’

The prosecutor said Bowler was traced shortly after midnight and found to be carrying five small bags of cannabis.

‘He stated it was for his own personal use and for giving away to friends. He clearly accepted he used it himself and if friends asked he would give them some, but did not receive any money.’

Sheriff Fiona Tait told Bowler that it was a ‘significant amount’ and she did not think there was any realistic alternative to a custodial sentence.

It was not the first time Bowler’s bungling had brought him to the attention of police.

In November 2014 he was caught with nearly £20,000 worth of stolen goods after using his own photo ID to sell gold to a high street jewellery retailer.

Bowler was jailed for a year for handling stolen goods after claiming the items had been left behind by gypsies following a party in his home.