Cannabis Factory Man Escapes Jail

7 November 2012, 08:00

A Luton man who turned his home into a cannabis factory has escaped a prison sentence.

Police went to the home of Ricky Williams in Haddon Road in the town on 25th March this year and found a bedroom had been converted into a small 'factory.'

The windows had been boarded up and, in large plastic pots, were 28 cannabis plants that had recently been "cropped." There was special lighting present.

Luton crown court heard today that the room looked like it was waiting for a new set of plants.

Elsewhere in the house police found more plants in a cupboard and the defendant was arrested.

Williams told the police he was growing the plants for his own use because he was a heavy user of cannabis.

However he went on to admit there was a social element to the production and he would provide cannabis for friends when they visited.

In court today the 29 year old admitted producing cannabis.

The court was told that, in all, police recovered 40 plants.

Dylan Moses defending said Williams had a drug problem but was now taking steps to beat his addiction.

Judge Barbara Mensah sentenced him to a 12 month community order during which time he will be under the supervision of the probation service.

He will also have to complete a thinking skills programme and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work as well as pay £120 prosecution costs.