Pubdate: Fri, 31 Aug 2007
Source: Scotsman (UK)
Copyright: 2007 The Scotsman Publications Ltd
Contact: http://members.scotsman.com/contact.cfm
Website: http://www.scotsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/406
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

SHERIFF SHOWS MERCY TO RETIRED PRO-BOXER WHO GREW CANNABIS IN HIS 
ATTIC 'FOR PAIN'

A FORMER boxer who converted his attic into a cannabis farm was shown 
mercy yesterday after convincing a sheriff he used the drug to deal 
with chronic pain.

Christopher Jones, a professional who retired from the ring when he 
lost sight in one eye, was caught growing 26 plants with potential 
street value of UKP3,000.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that Jones, who has also worked as a 
local authority gardener, suffered from chronic pain in his back and neck.

He had been prescribed painkillers to alleviate the problem, but told 
the court they had caused him a number of embarrassing side-effects.

Jones, 33, of Scone, Perthshire, admitted three charges relating to 
the production of cannabis at his home in September last year. Paul 
Ralph, defending, said: "From being a man who was very active, he is 
reduced, through his pain, to spending most of his time in the house.

It was suggested that he should try cannabis and, having smoked some, 
he decided this was a cheaper way to keep going."

Finding that jail was "not necessary", Sheriff Foulis fined Jones UKP500.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom