By Tony O’Riley-
A man was spared jail after being caught growing 30 cannabis plants at his top-floor flat in Brunswick Street, Halifax, on January 19 last year, despite having a previous record of producing cannabis.
Forde was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 200 hours of unpaid work and up to 15 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service. The 34 year old was let off lightly due to mitigating circumstances that includes psychiatric problems. His lawyer argued strongly for his client, mitigating his offence by pointing to psychiatric illness he has suffered and telling the court he had a courier business.
Bradford court heard that Alister Forde had suffered severe psychiatric problems in the past and he was on medication for anxiety and depression, Bradford Crown Court was told.
He pleaded guilty at the magistrates’ court to production of cannabis and possession of the Class B drug with intent to supply.
Cops discovered the sophisticated grow in both bed-rooms at the flat. There had been an installation of fans in the room, and extractors and lining the walls.
Mr Green said the potential yield from the crop was 1.65 kilos that could have fetched £16,500 if broken up into individual street deals.
The police also seized £223 worth of harvested cannabis that Forde had bagged up ready to sell, and £500 in cash.
Forde’s legal representatives told the court that he had been taking cannabis for many years and had mental health problems, Miss Langford told the court.
Judge Mansell said he had read many reports that detailed the serious affect that taking skunk cannabis had, particularly on young men.
Forde had been on it for about 15 years, since his late teens. He had suffered psychiatric problems and he was on medication for depression and anxiety.
He had set up the grow to feed his own habit, and had cultivated enough to sell.
Forde was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 200 hours of unpaid work and up to 15 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service.
Judge Mansell urged Mr. Ford to take the help and support he was being offered. also telling him he had read many reports about the serious effects skunk cannabis has on young men
‘It’s not too late to turn your life around,’ he said.
Cannabis production can lead to several years in jail, depending on the amount of the growth and the street value of what is discovered.