Mum had cannabis factory in her attic

A MUM who had lived a “crimefree life” was caught with a cannabis factory in her attic.

Zoe Simons was found to have seven cannabis plants in the loft of her home in Cardiff, along with growing equipment including plant food.

Sentencing her at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Michael Fitton QC accepted she had been “dragged into” the offending through a relationship with a man police are now attempting to track down.

The court heard police went to Chaucer Close in Llanrumney on March 8, 2018 and found bags of cannabis and MDMA, along with several hundred pounds in cash.

Andrew Davies, prosecuting, said officers found seven cannabis plants in the attic, plus plant food and other growing equipment.

He told the court officers found 224g of loose cannabis and shoeboxes marked to indicate which type of cannabis was inside.

Simons’ phone was analysed and found to contain messages asking her directly for drugs.

The defendant was interviewed and accepted she was responsible for the cannabis at the property.

She admitted cultivating it and stated it was for her own personal use.

Prosecutors said that in a second interview, she retracted her admissions and said the set-up was created by her then partner.

Mr Davies said the CPS accepted he was the “leading actor”, adding: “Efforts are being made to try and track him down.”

Simons, 40, from Chaucer Close in Llanrumney, admitted allowing her premises to be used for the production of cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

Hilary Roberts, defending, said his client – who has children – had led a “crime-free” life.

The court heard she was in the relationship for around two years and this was her “first-ever offence”.

Judge Fitton said: “You were dragged into this as a result of your relationship.”

He said Simons should have stood up to her partner and not put her children at risk of the consequences of her offending.

She was given a 12-month community order, requiring her to complete 15 days of a rehabilitation activity, and pay an £85 victim surcharge. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing was scheduled for July.