Man jailed after using cannabis as pain relief

A FIFTY year old man who grew cannabis plants in his Lerwick home for pain relief purposes has been jailed for six months.

Ian Leask, of 6 Prospect House, Law Lane, previously pled guilty to producing the Class B drug between 11 September and 11 February.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday that police attended the man’s house on intelligence to find a “sophisticated” cannabis-growing set-up.

The court was previously told that the plants would have a value of around £3,600.

Among the items found in Leask’s bedroom was a large tent and UV lamps, while the room’s windows were covered by black bags. Police then seized his equipment.

It was accepted that the man was growing the cannabis for personal use, Mackenzie added.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client had tried a number of different remedies for back pain, but he was put off by potential side effects.

Advertisement5 of 10

Leask – who appeared in court from custody – was growing cannabis that was particularly well known for its pain relief properties, Allan said.

Sheriff Philip Mann was presented with a medical report that confirmed Leask’s difficulties with back pain.

However, he noted that Leask hadn’t taken every opportunity to look for all types of prescribed medication available to him.

As a result, Sheriff Mann decided to place Leask in jail for six months and backdated the sentence to when he first entered custody on 12 February.

All of the cannabis-growing items seized by police were forfeited.