Dad used rented house to grow cannabis for himself

FATHER-OF-TWO Scott Barrett has been handed a suspended prison sentence after he grew cannabis in a rented house.

The 25-year-old rented a bungalow in Kingsley Moor on August 8 last year.

But Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday heard suspicions were soon aroused as he was only seen there once a week.

The property was inspected on September 19 and 32 small cannabis plants were discovered being grown in a bedroom under an ultra violet light.

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The plants, which were 10 to 12 weeks from harvest, could have produced cannabis worth between £2,000 and £4,300.

Barrett was arrested the next day. In his police interview he said he was spending £80 to £90 a week buying half an ounce of cannabis.

Barrett, of Foley Street, Fenton, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis on the basis it was a non commercial operation.

Nicola Bell, mitigating, said Barrett smoked cannabis for pain relief but no longer uses the drug. She added he is the main carer for his children.

Judge Granville Styler sentenced Barrett to six months in prison, suspended for two years, with 12 months' supervision. He was also ordered to pay £250 costs.

"People like you who think you can grow cannabis have to be deterred. It is a very prevalent offence at present and there has to be an element of deterrent," added Judge Styler.