silvernomad
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Police cannabis factory shock
POLICE raiding a lock-up were greeted by a naked man tending to his cannabis factory, a court heard.
Officers found 638 plants growing in the Hastings unit rented by 42-year-old David Churchward, a crop worth up to an estimated £229,000.
He admitted producing cannabis but told officers he had started growing the Class C drug to help his wife who suffers from bad health and finds it difficult to sleep.
Lewes Crown Court heard Churchward, who used to run a courier firm, had gone bankrupt and that since his arrest his home in Tuppenny Close had been repossessed.
He was given a suspended jail sentence after a judge decided it was unlikely he would offend again.
Marcus Fletcher, prosecuting, told the court: "On April 9 last year, police executed a search warrant at unit 12, Moorhurst Road.
"They found the defendant naked. They also found a sophisticated factory producing cannabis plants.
"He was arrested and interviewed. He said he was growing them for his wife who could not sleep.
"He said he knew it was unlawful but did not accept doing it for financial gain. He said he was going to freeze it for his wife.
"There were 638 plants seized in different stages of growth with a value of between £114,000 to £200,000. That would provide 287,100 reefers.
"Therefore we would suggest the idea that it was just for his wife is unbelievable."
William Eaglestone, defending, said: "There is no evidence as to how many plants would have made it through to commercial level.
"As with any crop it's unclear what the precise yield would be. This was something that began in midsummer 2004. The previous harvest he had succeeded in reaping 60 plants.
"This is not a case where he is charged with supply, or where there is any evidence of supply."
Passing a 51-week prison sentence but suspending it for two years and imposing a 12-month supervision order, Judge Simon Coltart told Churchward: "I take the view this was a one-off offence.
"I think there is no risk of you getting involved in the production of drugs again.
"But this is a serious matter as it is large-scale production and therefore must be met with a period of imprisonment.
"But I will suspend that period of imprisonment."
It is believed Churchward was naked when police arrived so he would not get the smell of cannabis on his clothing.
News - Hastings Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More
POLICE raiding a lock-up were greeted by a naked man tending to his cannabis factory, a court heard.
Officers found 638 plants growing in the Hastings unit rented by 42-year-old David Churchward, a crop worth up to an estimated £229,000.
He admitted producing cannabis but told officers he had started growing the Class C drug to help his wife who suffers from bad health and finds it difficult to sleep.
Lewes Crown Court heard Churchward, who used to run a courier firm, had gone bankrupt and that since his arrest his home in Tuppenny Close had been repossessed.
He was given a suspended jail sentence after a judge decided it was unlikely he would offend again.
Marcus Fletcher, prosecuting, told the court: "On April 9 last year, police executed a search warrant at unit 12, Moorhurst Road.
"They found the defendant naked. They also found a sophisticated factory producing cannabis plants.
"He was arrested and interviewed. He said he was growing them for his wife who could not sleep.
"He said he knew it was unlawful but did not accept doing it for financial gain. He said he was going to freeze it for his wife.
"There were 638 plants seized in different stages of growth with a value of between £114,000 to £200,000. That would provide 287,100 reefers.
"Therefore we would suggest the idea that it was just for his wife is unbelievable."
William Eaglestone, defending, said: "There is no evidence as to how many plants would have made it through to commercial level.
"As with any crop it's unclear what the precise yield would be. This was something that began in midsummer 2004. The previous harvest he had succeeded in reaping 60 plants.
"This is not a case where he is charged with supply, or where there is any evidence of supply."
Passing a 51-week prison sentence but suspending it for two years and imposing a 12-month supervision order, Judge Simon Coltart told Churchward: "I take the view this was a one-off offence.
"I think there is no risk of you getting involved in the production of drugs again.
"But this is a serious matter as it is large-scale production and therefore must be met with a period of imprisonment.
"But I will suspend that period of imprisonment."
It is believed Churchward was naked when police arrived so he would not get the smell of cannabis on his clothing.
News - Hastings Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More
