A Carlisle father-of-five who ran his own “small business” producing and selling cannabis has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Four police constables went to David Wardrope’s home at Stockwell Road, Blackwell, on March 5 last year having received reports of strong drug odours.
Upon opening the door, the officers noted the smell was “overpowering”. Wardrope, now aged 31, said he had just smoked a joint.
In one of the bedrooms, a PC found a large black tent with a cannabis cultivation set-up, Carlisle Crown Court heard today, along with a bucket full of the class B drug on the floor.
Wardrope was arrested. Prosecutor Hannah Forsyth said: “He replied, saying ‘I know what I do is wrong’ and ‘my kids are my kids’.” The officers, she said, formed the impression that he sold cannabis “to support his children”.
Drug paraphernalia including weighing scales and labels were located, along with almost £3,000 cash, while some of cannabis found — around 150 snap bags — was “packaged for sale”.
The total potential value of the drug seized was estimated at between £7,120 and £8,120.
When questioned, Wardrope mainly answered “no comment”. He later admitted cannabis possession with intent to supply, production and simple possession. The court heard he had previous convictions for cannabis supply crimes dating back to 2013 and 2014.
Since the latest offence came to light in early 2021, Wardrope had been made subject to a community order. And while Judge Nicholas Dean QC observed compliance with that had “not been without problems”, he was satisfied some progress had been made. Judge Dean also heard the defendant had been “beset with personal difficulties” and diagnosed with mental illness.
A 20-month prison sentence was suspended for two years. Wardrope must complete rehabilitation and a four-month electronically monitored night time curfew.
“You had a small business. You were producing cannabis and you were selling it. That, as you know, is unlawful,” said Judge Dean.
