A Workington man who grew his own cannabis after his use of the drug spiralled during the COVID pandemic has been sentenced by a judge.
Police went to the home of 37-year-old Carl Miller, of Bowness Court, in connection with an unrelated matter on September 14.
A room within his flat contained 24 cannabis plants complete with hydroponic equipment and lights. There were seven small wraps of the class B drug and, in the freezer, was a bag of amphetamine.
If sold commercially, the cannabis could potentially have been worth more than £6,000.
But Miller pleaded guilty to cannabis production on the basis that it was for his own use. He had previously tried to grow the drug, unsuccessfully, and anticipated that some of many of the two dozen plants found would not reach their full potential.
Miller also admitted simple amphetamine possession and was sentenced by Judge Nicholas Barker at Carlisle Crown Court today.
“You were a heavy user of cannabis and during the pandemic your use was spiralling,” Judge Barker said of a formal basis of plea which had been accepted by the prosecution.
Miller had been unable to buy cannabis and his income reduced during COVID. “You began to grown your own,” said the judge. “You knew it was wrong. You knew it was illegal.”
Miller was made subject to a 12-month community order and must complete 150 hours’ unpaid work. A deprivation order was made which will see all drugs and equipment seized by police being forfeited and destroyed.
