Man had cannabis farm in bedroom

Mark Gillibrand, of Cypress Close, Ribbleton, Preston, has pleaded guilty to a charge of producing a Class B drug after a haul of 20 plants was uncovered at his home.

Preston Magistrates’ Court heard on January 31, an officer visited the 26-year-old’s home and could smell a “strong smell” of cannabis.

Prosecuting, Jim Mowbray said: “The officer describes attending his address and speaking with him in his ground floor flat.

“At that stage, he indicated he was growing cannabis and as a result he was then arrested.

“Twenty mature plants were seized from the address, along with the usual hydroponic equipment.”

He added: “The officer says upon entering the flat he could hear a fan and could smell cannabis.

“He asked if Mr Gillibrand was growing cannabis and he admitted he was.

“The defendant then directed him to a bedroom.

“He said he was growing it because he was in debt and needed to make some money.”

However, the court heard, Gillibrand told officers: “I’m not telling you who I’m growing it for.”

Defending him, James Ball said: “He was allowing someone else to use the premises. He was perhaps under pressure due to the drugs debt.”

Deputy district Judge Roger Lowe imposed a prison sentence of 16 weeks, but suspended it for 12 months, with a curfew.

Gillibrand was also ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs by the court.