Cannabis farmer who 'got greedy' jailed

Scott Wheelwright grew drugs with an estimated value of up to £25,000 at his Stourdell Road, Halesowen, home.

Police raided it in January and found 28 plants, 12 of which had been stripped but 16 were still growing and could have fetched between £2,800 and £11,000 depending on the crop produced, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

Police tracked the 26-year-old down after arresting brothers George and Daniel Beddall, of Oldwell Road, Stourbridge. Both pleaded guilty last month (SEPT) to possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.

Mr Kevin Jones, prosecuting, said 31-year-old Daniel had long been addicted to cannabis and accepts he was involved in supplying cannabis to others, assisting his brother.

George was also addicted to cannabis, Mr Jones said, and in September 2014 was offered a discount from his supplier if he agreed to sell it on to others.

He added: "Mr Wheelwright was growing the cannabis that was then being supplied directly by him to others, including George and Daniel Beddall, who would then go on to supply to other users."

On October 22 last year, George was stopped by police and found with five bags of cannabis valued at £50.

Searching the brothers' house, Mr Jones said officers found 'significant items', including 120 grams of cannabis valued at £760-£1,000, cash, 'grip seal' bags, scales, and a 'dealer list'.

Officers linked the trio using text messages, and arrested 26-year-old Wheelwright on January 13.

As well as drying cannabis, valued between £4,000 and £10,000, police found smaller amounts worth £2,500, £1,500 cash, and 16 growing plants.

Mr Christopher O'Gorman, mitigating, said: "He has made it quite clear he was growing a small amount for his own personal use, and then others became interested and he sold to them.

"He didn't need to, but he admitted that he became greedy and saw it as an easy way to make extra money.

"He doesn't accept that he was setting anybody up to do their own dealing, he was supplying to them for profit."

Daniel has since secured a good job and addressed his cannabis addiction, Mr Gurdeep Garcha, mitigating, said.

His part was limited, Mr Garcha said: "That is not to diminish what he did. He recognises that this was wrong, it is unacceptable, and whatever people's views about cannabis it is against the law.

"At the time of this offending he was in something of a rut, somewhat depressed, and for the first time since he left school out of employment."

Me Richard Davenport, mitigating for George, said the 23-year-old, who has mental health issues, has been on a disability living allowance.

He said: "His benefit would not have covered his cannabis addiction, so he has gone out to sell it to fund his addiction. There did come a time he was making a profit but it must have been slim.

"There is no evidence at all of an exotic lifestyle, no Ferrari in the driveway, no foreign holidays."

George has since come off drugs, and has the opportunity of work as a shop-fitter, Mr Davenport said.

During sentencing, Recorder Richard Atkinson said: "Cannabis is not harmless. It is a drug which has dangerous side effects and is socially corrosive."

Wheelwright, who had earlier pleaded guilty to cultivation of a Class B drug and supply, was jailed for 12 months.

Recorder Atkinson sentenced both Daniel and George Beddall to eight months' jail suspended for two years, 120 hours' unpaid work, and a four month curfew.