An amateur cannabis farmer has been fined after police discovered his "really poor attempt" at growing the plants in his home. James Wilson, 24, had decided to try and produce the drug when police showed up on his doorstep in relation to other matters.
The panicking 24-year-old initially refused to let officers inside and was obstructive until he admitted defeat and let them search his house, a court was told. A cannabis farm, involving "quite immature plants", was discovered inside the property on Four Acres Road, in Cowgate.
Court hearing and guilty plea
Wilson, still of the same address, was arrested and pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis during a hearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week. Chike Anieto, prosecuting, said officers attended Wilson's home in relation to a separate matter on November 9 last year.
Mr Anieto continued: "The defendant refused the officers entry into the property and was obstructive. The officers spoke to him and searched the property and found a cannabis farm set up inside. The plants were in solo cups and were quite immature." The court heard that, during his subsequent police interview, Wilson made no comment.
Defence describes 'really poor attempt'
John Kirkham, defending, said it was a "really poor attempt" at putting together a cannabis farm. Mr Kirkham added: "They were really weedy plants. It was his first and fairly unsuccessful attempt at growing the plants. My client has a history of anxiety and depression and found himself staying in his address more often than not and living an isolated existence."
"Cannabis was helping him get through the day but it's expensive, so, he decided to grow his own. It's a very poor attempt and it never really got off the ground and the police quickly brought an end to the enterprise."
Fine and costs
Wilson was fined £200 and must pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
