A South Yorkshire drug offender was caught with cannabis plants in his home after a police raid
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Michael Wintle, aged 64, of Wood Walk, Wombwell, Barnsley, was caught with 15 cannabis plants in one bedroom and ten in another bedroom, according to a Sheffield Crown Court hearing, on October 22.
Richard Davies, prosecuting, said: “The facts of this case relate to officers attending his address at Wood Walk, Wombwell, after suspicion of cannabis being grown at the address and he allowed access.”
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Hide AdPolice discovered high-powered lights and small fans and found ten plants in one bedroom as well as five small plants in a grow tent, and in a second bedroom they found ten cannabis plants, according to Mr Davies.
Wintle told police he had been growing cannabis for personal use but said he only smoked cannabis occasionally and was planning to freeze the rest for when he needed it.
The defendant, who has a previous conviction for producing cannabis, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis after the raid on August 22.
Lauren Hebditch, defending, said the offence involved an unsophisticated set-up and it was consistent with producing cannabis for personal use.
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Hide AdShe added: “He’s started producing cannabis to stop buying it on the streets because he was placing himself in danger.”
Ms Hebditch said Wintle had expressed a willingness to engage with professionals to address his cannabis use.
Judge Michael Slater sentenced Wintle to four months of custody suspended for 12 months with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.