Cannabis plants grower brought down by brother

Nov 11 2009 by Lynn Jolly, Paisley Daily Express

A PAISLEY man who gave up booze and started smoking and growing cannabis was “grassed in” by his own bother.

Neil Deans hatched a plan to grow his own crop of cannabis plants in the basement of his home in Morven Avenue, Paisley.

But some of his family didn’t approve and when police spoke to Deans’ brother about another matter, he “grassed him in”.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard that when officers obtained a search warrant and raided the property, in October of last year, they found 24 mature plants and 40 seedlings.

These had the capability of producing a £3,000 yield.

This would have kept him personally supplied for six months.

When Deans appeared in the dock at court he admitted cultivating quantities of the drug.

His defence agent Philip Rooney stressed that the operation had been started by his client for his own personal use and was not for commercial supply.

He added that the Crown had accepted this position.

The case had previously been continued for clarification on the value of the haul.

This was because Deans’ solicitor disputed the amount – in excess of £7,000 – which had originally libelled by the Crown.

When the matter returned to court for final disposal yesterday, Mr Rooney confirmed that it was now accepted the value was £3,000.

This was because half of the crop would not have reached full maturity.

Mr Rooney told the court that the raid was carried out after an argument between his client and his brother.

He explained: “His brother told police that he was growing these plants in his basement.

“This was exclusively for his own use, and would have lasted him around six months.

“He turned to cannabis when he stopped drinking alcohol.

“The reports before the court today are very favourable.”

Mr Rooney urged Sheriff Paul Reid to consider imposing a non-custodial sentence.

This was because Deans was in full-time employment and had promised to try and wean himself off the drug.

After reading background reports and considering submissions, Sheriff Reid told Deans he should thank his solicitor for the stalwart work he had done on his behalf.

He warned: “If there had been any hint whatsoever this was for commercial supply, I would be sending you to jail.

“You should thank your solicitor for the work he has done for you here to establish value, and also to get the Crown to accept that this was for your own use as that has saved you from imprisonment today.”

Deans was ordered to carry out 300 hours of community service as a direct alternative to custody.

However, he was warned by the sheriff that he faced being locked up if he failed to comply in any way.