Pathetic grower of cannabis has pot worth £1.86

Jul 9 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A BATHGATE woman who was caught growing 13 cannabis plants has been placed on probation.

Nicola Lammie’s attempts at growing the class B drug were so poor, however, that a police expert valued them at just £1.86, a local court was told.

Linlithgow Sheriff Court heard last week that officers were in the area of Lammie’s home on November 27 last year.

The sheriff court was told that officers had reason to speak to her about an outstanding matter and while they were interviewing her they could strongly smell cannabis from the house.

They asked if they could search the premises and Lammie consented.

In a cupboard in the hall officers found 13 cannabis plants which were wrapped in plastic sheeting.

When she was interviewed by police she admitted having the plants in her home.

However, she said she knew nothing about growing them and was not involved in the supply or cultivating them.

The plants, which were in the very early stages of growth, and were valued by a police expert at just £1.86.

Last week at the sheriff court Lammie, whose address was given as Gideon Court, Bathgate, pled guilty to a charge of producing a controlled drug.

Her solicitor, Andy Aitken, said his client had been attempting to grow cannabis for her own personal use.

Mr Aitken added: “She was using it at the time this offence came to light but she has now stopped. She has a very limited record of previous convictions and none directly analogous to this offence.

“It is accepted by my client that attempts to grow cannabis will always be treated more seriously by the courts than just simple possession.

“But I have to say with the valuation given her it was certasinly at the lower end of the scale of the offence she has pled guilty to.”

Placing Lammie on probation for six months Sheriff Martin Edington said that he had taken into account her background reports.

The sheriff added: “This, in my view, is a good social enquiry reports.

“I am of the view, given the nature of the offence and the fact it was committed while you were on bail, that a probation order be the best way to help you.”