Convicted drug dealer ran three cannabis farms
POLICE found three separate cannabis factories being run as a commercial operation – and masterminded by the same convicted drug dealer.
Three other people had also become embroiled in the cannabis growing operations, Grimsby Crown Court heard.
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REMORSE: John Hutchison.
John Hutchison, 35, of Hatton Grove; Sarah-Jane Bennett, 35, of Harlech Way; Matthew Maddison, 20, of St Michael's Road; and Robert Mann, 31, of Bremerhaven Way, Grimsby, all admitted producing cannabis on January 2.
Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, said the police investigation started after officers went to a house in Harlech Way on an unrelated matter.
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There was a strong smell of cannabis and 24 cannabis plants were found in a bedroom.
A search of premises in Hatton Grove revealed 97 cannabis plants, with a street value of £11,500.
A house in Sutcliffe Avenue was also searched and 24 cannabis plants, worth about £2,880, were found.
The court heard how Hutchison had been jailed for six-and-a-half years in August 2002 for supplying heroin after being caught in Operation Troop.
He had also been jailed for 18 months in August 1999 for supplying cannabis and amphetamine. Mann had been jailed for 15 months and for four years for supplying drugs, including heroin.
Andrew Bailey, mitigating, said Hutchison, a plumbing and heating engineer, ran the three cannabis factories as a commercial operation.
He now hoped he could turn his back on crime.
Steven Freestone, representing mother-of-three Bennett, said she spent £500 on equipment for the cannabis growing operation.
She got involved in a bid to clear debts and hugely regretted her actions.
Craig Lowe, for Mann, said it was a commercial supply operation. Father-of-six Mann, a heroin addict, owed money.
He handed himself in to the police and had shown remorse.
Gordon Stables, representing Maddison, said his client had no previous convictions and was a cannabis user.
Hutchison was jailed for four years and the others for 18 months.
Comments
by Bigfirework
Wednesday, November 02 2011, 6:41PM
“Sorry cleefish but John Hutchison is nothing but low life drug dealing scum and yes he has been in the "game" for years and has ruined many peoples lives old and young alike. He deserves a longer
sentance its the third time he has been convicted!!!! Throw away the key.”
by GyMonkey
Wednesday, November 02 2011, 6:19PM
“and how much has this cost I ask? too much why imprison all of them for growing weed, there are smokers everywhere nowadays, everywhere and growers if there is a demand it will be supplied, this government should really try use 1% of there Oxford educated brains, and understand that they are throwing billions of pounds a year away fighting something that will not go away, and is replaced by some one some where 10 minuets later.
Tax it break the criminal element away from it, simple common sense
and hahahaha your old man sounds like a proper wrong un Wendy! why would you tell that story”
by cleefish70
Wednesday, November 02 2011, 1:46PM
“smoker most dealers are like you say are ignorant *******s all for them selves but I know John H of old and all though he as been in the game a long time he as also had a good relationship with old and young alike.
But I agree with you the law is the law right or wrong.utm”
by The Normandy Arms
Wednesday, November 02 2011, 1:40PM
“the sentance does seem harsh
a few years ago my husband had a breakdown and stole a neighbours knickers off her line
he was on medicatoon at the time
but they still fined him nearly 500 pounds
unfair !”
by crazy_council
Wednesday, November 02 2011, 1:01PM
“the sentances for the others are a bit harsh, first offences 18 months. and one of them is a mother of three. people burgle your house or steal your car get community sentances”
by smoker
Wednesday, November 02 2011, 12:28PM
“Cleefish70,
I wouldn't rest your hopes on a cheap supply from any of these three. They are in it for the money and don't give a damn about anyeone else.”
by cleefish70
Wednesday, November 02 2011, 10:18AM
“Cannabis cultivation should be allowed under licence as some people like my self find much more pain relief from weed I am against get rich quick merchants it should be more control and lowed.utm.”
by mp_gy
Wednesday, November 02 2011, 8:30AM
“one of the few industries thats growing in the town cannibis cultivation,i would like to see more effort from plod on this before our town resembles helmand province.......”