Highland man grew cannabis to help his back problems

Police who raided Richard Matthews’ house uncovered a small cannabis cultivation enterprise.

It led to him being charged with producing the Class B drug, Wick Sheriff Court was told.

The operation was sited in a bedroom cupboard which was suitably modified for growing two plants.

Matthews, of Dunnet Avenue, Wick, pleaded guilty to producing the Class B drug, on June 24 and also admitted an extensive record.

Solicitor Sheena Mair said that the accused had grown the cannabis in order to relieve a back complaint following a road accident. He didn’t want to get involved with dealers for his supply.

Sheriff Andrew Berry said that while the cannabis cultivation was a limited one, a prison sentence was always going to be an option given the accused’s record.

However, he ordered Matthews to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work in the community.,