Cannabis grower jailed for eight months

A judge who sentenced a cannabis grower to eight months in prison told him his 15-year-old child was not a “get out of jail card”.

Nicholas Brown (38), of Hop Pole, Deeping St Nicholas, pleaded guilty to producing the drug between December 1, 2013 and April 1, this year.

Judge Michael Heath had adjourned sentencing Brown for a week so care could be found for his son after telling him he faced a prison term.

Lincoln Crown Court heard Brown had previously been fined for producing one cannabis plant and was in breach of a suspended sentence.

Passing sentence today (Wednesday) Judge Heath told Brown: “You are 38 and pleaded guilty at a preliminary hearing to producing cannabis between December 1 last year and April 1 this year.

“There were 50 plants in various stages of propagation. Some was for your own use and some was for supply.

“You had been fined on February 8, 2012 for producing cannabis, all be it just one plant.

“You are in breach of a suspended sentence. I am told you did well on that program and completed the community requirement.”

A destruction order was made for the cannabis plants and growing equipment at the request of the prosecution.

Judge Heath added: “I adjourned sentence for arrangements to be made for the care of your 15-year-old son.

“I am aware you are the sole carer. He can not be seen as a get out of jail card.

“I am told that has now been done.”

Brown was sentenced to eight months imprisonment for producing cannabis and a one month concurrent term for breaching a suspended sentence.