A first offender who grew cannabis to ease pain he suffered from illnesses was jailed for one year today.
Stephen Nicholson, 56, a bricklayer, was found with 21 mature plants at his home Ardencaple, on Glenmore Road, Pulpit Hill, Oban, on October 24 last year.
At Oban Sheriff Court Nicholson pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. The court heard the plants were worth £6,300.
Fiscal Eoin McGinty said: “The locust is a three-bedroom bungalow privately owned by the accused. As a result of confidential information police attended and searched the premises. They found a considerable amount of cannabis plants.
“Hydroponic lights, various pots, light bulbs and reflectors were recovered.
“The accused was interviewed by police and said that the cannabis was entirely for his personal consumption.
“There is no charge for supply as there was no evidence in relation to that.”
Solicitor Brian Moreland said: “Mr Nicholson has various medical conditions that he suffers from. These conditions have been long standing, he has a history of suffering from depression, cancer and heart disease and has been taking pain relief medication. As a result of these difficulties he set out on this course of illegal conduct which he saw as further relief from the pain and suffering.”
He added that Mr Nicholson also suffers from arthritis.
“He appears as a first offender. He has a history of long term employment in the building trade.”
But Sheriff Linda Smith said: “I do have to take into account there were 21 mature plants here with a value of £6,300. I think this matter is a serious one which can’t be dealt with other than by a term of imprisonment.”