A dad found with around £10,000 of cannabis throughout his house told police it was all for him.
Mark Gallagher was found with a large number of cannabis plants in the bedroom and kitchen of his home on Scoresby Road in Leasowe.
The 51 year old said he was heavily addicted to the drug and was using it himself - but later admitted he intended to sell it.
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Derek Jones, prosecuting, said police raided his home in April last year and found 25 bags of female flowering heads in the bedroom, with smaller quantities in the kitchen. There was also a range of equipment used to facilitate the farm, including lamps and heaters. They also discovered he had tampered with his electricity supply to draw around £1,000 of electricity to supply the farm.
Some of the cannabis was separated into ounce amounts and police drug experts estimated it had a total street value of £10,000. Mr Jones said: "When interviewed, he said all the cannabis was only for him because he was a heavy user." He finally admitted possession with intent to supply and was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday.
The court heard Gallagher is a carer for his mum, who suffers from cancer, and also has children who he sees regularly. He also said he had not touched cannabis since the raid and was in continued contact with support services to address his drug and alcohol dependencies.
Judge Gary Woodhall said the amounts of drugs found in his home meant they were “clearly for supply” and said it was likely Gallagher was dealing straight to other users. He said he accepted that he had caring responsibilities and handed Gallagher, now of Wallasey Village, a nine month jail term suspended for 12 months.
He could also face a fine but this is set to be imposed after a further court hearing later this year.
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