A couple from Salford, Manchester, found themselves in court after being embroiled in their grandson's 'filthy trade'. Paul Harrison, 64, and Julie Harrison, 67, faced drug charges when 18 cannabis plants and a 'sophisticated' cultivation system were uncovered at their residence on Kent Street, Swinton.
Cannabis Operation Run by Grandson
Manchester Crown Court was informed that the cannabis operation was managed by their grandson, Tyler Harrison, 21. Prosecutor Hannah Forsyth revealed that a warrant was served at the couple's home in September 2021. Cannabis plants were discovered along with a 'sophisticated' set-up featuring fans, lighting, and heat shielding material. She stated that the drugs were part of Tyler Harrison's operation, and it seemed Julie Harrison would 'at times bag up cannabis deals when asked to do so'.
Ms Forsyth indicated that Paul Harrison's role was to permit the premises to be used. She mentioned there was no evidence of the couple, who both have clean records, receiving 'direct payment'.
Defence Claims and Judge's Response
Defending Julie Harrison, Ian McMeekin noted that she had been on bail for 'many years'. The court learned that during a meeting with the probation service, Paul Harrison claimed that the cannabis found was grown for 'medicinal purposes'. Judge Paul Lawton dismissed the claim as 'nonsense'. For Paul Harrison, Ben Kaufman suggested that the defendant had 'panicked' during the interview.
The judge addressed the defendants, stating: 'You are both in your 60s, you are grandparents. You allowed yourselves to be dragged into the filthy trade of your grandson, Tyler. I am quite satisfied he probably pressurised both of you to some extent. You have been on bail for years and have cost the taxpayer a great deal of money. It has been a salutary lesson in both cases.'
Sentencing and Grandson's Prior Convictions
Paul Harrison admitted to producing cannabis and Julie Harrison confessed to being involved in the supply of cannabis. The couple were handed a 12-month conditional discharge. Tyler Harrison, 21, was previously sentenced to eight years and 10 months behind bars after being convicted of wounding with intent; and admitting to supply of class A and B; money laundering; and possession with intent to supply both class A and class B drugs. He was one of three individuals sentenced following a shooting incident in Little Hulton in May 2024. Gunshots were fired at a property, resulting in 20-year-old Samuel Adesanya being shot in the chest. The court heard that around 9.28pm, the three defendants, along with four others, arrived outside the house in a stolen Vauxhall Insignia. Most of the men in the group were armed at the time of the shooting, with one of them wielding a loaded firearm and others brandishing machetes and 'zombie' knives. The assailants started 'banging and shouting' on windows, then used the weapons to shatter the car and house windows in a 'deliberate attempt to scare' the occupants. The victim, Mr Adesanya, was a guest at the property and was in the hallway when he was shot. He was swiftly taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries but managed to survive the terrifying assault.
