Cannabis grower awaits fate

A CANNABIS cultivator is today waiting to see whether he will be jailed after being caught red-handed at his home in Woodbridge.

Paul Day was arrested during a raid on his house in Peterhouse Crescent, where police found a “sophisticated” growing operation.

Officers discovered outbuildings and two caravans in the back garden that had been modified for the production of cannabis plants.

They also came across a device in the loft which was used to divert electricity to the growing equipment and a small amount of amphetamines.

The 46-year-old admitted producing cannabis, abstracting electricity without authority and possessing amphetamines at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court yesterday.

He claimed the operation was for personal use and that he had never sold drugs.

The court was told how police found 36 cannabis plants and 17 seedling plants, along with 304 cannabis cuttings and a black bin liner of dried cannabis leaves during the raid in February.

Prosecutor Lesla Small said: “Day said he had a problem obtaining cannabis and it was always of poor quality.

“Having started with just a few plants, they had grown quicker than first thought and got a bit out of control.

“He was scared of being found out and was sorry for what he had done.”

Bench Chairman Ted Draper, who was shown pictures of the growing equipment, said: “We consider your growing operation to be extensive and used a very sophisticated set-up.

“A lot of money has been spent. It is apparently for personal use, but there is potential for a sales follow-on. This points us into the realms of a high community penalty or a limited custodial sentence.”

Day was granted unconditional bail until a sentencing hearing at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court on August 11.