Armadale man spared jail after growing cannabis

Dec 29 2011 by Allan Valente, West Lothian Courier

AN Armadale man has escaped jail time after growing cannabis plants worth £3000.

David Hewitson admitted cultivating 25 plants in his home in Lower Bathville in the town on May 12, 2010.

Livingston Sheriff Court heard that on Tuesday, May 11, last year police officers detected a strong smell of cannabis coming from the accused’s home.

Cops were granted a search warrant and executed it the following day at 9 45am. The 34-year-old was at home and police found two small growing areas within the premises.

Officers also found growing equipment such as lights and transformers and various other growing agents.

When questioned by police Hewitson made full admissions and said he had been growing it for a while.

He also told officers that he had spent all his money on it and that it was grown for his own personal consumption. He said he had spent about £500 cultivating the plants.

His solicitor Andy Aitken said that although his client was in possession of a large quantity of cannabis, there was no suggestion that it was ever for supply.

He added: “Mr Hewitson was a chronic user of heroin and he spoke to others who had had success coming off the drug by using a quantity of cannabis.

“They said it eased the cravings for heroin and he had appeared to be having some success with this.”

Mr Aitken said that although his client was now clean and participating in the methadone programme, he still had issues in his life and a period on probation would benefit him.

He added: “The cannabis in question was not for supply. Mr Hewitson has not been in any further trouble at all. He has been clean of heroin for more than a year now.”

Sentencing Hewitson to one year of probation and 200 hours community service, Sheriff David Clapham said: “I take a serious view of these matters. Some offences are committed in the spur of the moment and this is obviously not the case here.

“It seems to me that you thought about the crime quite carefully, planned it, and took your time carrying it out.”