Aaron Swinhoe, 45, was discovered with cannabis worth up to £19,000 stored in plastic tubs in his garage and car during a police raid in November 2024. He pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court and received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.
Police Raid Uncovers Large Cannabis Stash
On November 27, 2024, officers searched Swinhoe's home on Chestnut Crescent in Sunderland. Prosecutor Jade Houston told the court that in the garage, they found cases and storage bags of cannabis, along with a backpack containing £800 in cash and clear tubs. An additional 35 bags of cannabis were discovered in Swinhoe's car. Scales and a debt list were also seized.
Value of Seized Drugs
The cannabis recovered was valued between £14,000 and £19,000. During police interview, Swinhoe claimed he was holding the drugs for others who had threatened his family.
Mitigation and Sentence
Magistrates heard that Swinhoe was experiencing personal difficulties at the time of the offence and that his arrest served as a significant wake-up call. He had no previous convictions and suffered from various medical conditions. The bench imposed an eight-month prison term suspended for 18 months and ordered the destruction of the cannabis.
