Pensioner who admitted using cannabis as a painkiller given suspended jail sentence

A 70-year-old man who grew cannabis in his house as he was using it as a painkiller to treat his chronic back pain has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Crown Court GVCrown Court GV
Crown Court GV

Brian Partridge, of New Street, Brixworth, was charged with possession of a class B drug after officers found 26 cannabis plants when they raided his home on June 4.

Partridge was also charged with possession with intent to supply as officers also found deal bags and a set of electronic scales in his property.

In police interview, Partridge said he used the cannabis for health reasons and used the income from dealing it to his friends and family to help pay for the class B drugs.

Michael Coley, mitigating, said Partridge suffered from chronic back pain as a result of an industrial accident he had suffered during his working life.

Mr Coley said his client found painkillers were ineffective so he had started using cannabis as an alternative form of treatment.

Partridge pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing a class B drug with intent to supply and another count of possessing a class B drug.

Recorder Stuart Sprawson sentenced Partridge to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also given a four-week curfew order from 9pm to 7am.

Recorder Sprawson said: “You are 70 years old and you know full well what you were doing was wrong.”