News / Cannabis cultivator
A PARAPLEGIC man convicted of growing cannabis in his Shetland home has told Lerwick Sheriff Court he does not believe in drug laws.
Neil Winters was severely disabled in an accident 24 years ago and is bed ridden at his home at 7 Stove Cottages, Walls, where he receives regular nursing care.
Police acting on a tip off raided the 46 year old’s house on 24 January last year and found 82 cannabis plants with a potential street value of £300 each.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said he accepted the drugs were for personal use to help alleviate his painful condition, but suggested there was a risk of other people finding out about his cultivation.
Defence agent James Smith said that Winters had been prescribed a cannabinoid spray to help his condition, but it only had limited effect.
He added that his client already had two convictions for drug offences and was likely to procure cannabis again.
“I think it’s safe to say he will probably continue to source cannabis, but whether he cultivates it again is another matter,” he said.
The court heard that originally Winters had elected to go on trial to change the law, but had been told there was no point so he had pled guilty.
Sheriff Marion McDonald read out comments he made in a social work report, in which he said: “I don’t recognise a law which stops one from keeping oneself alive and well.”
In light of these comments, the sheriff said she would defer sentence for six months for him to be of good behaviour.
She also ordered all his growing equipment to be forfeited, despite his request to keep them to grow aloe vera plants that he also cultivated.
He was allowed to have his mobile phone returned.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.