A MAN who stashed 43 cannabis plants in his attic and “bulk bought” the drug to feed his habit has been given a suspended sentence at York Crown Court.

Benjamin John Richardson, 21, from Bell Farm Avenue, York, had pleaded guilty to supplying, possessing and producing cannabis. The court heard police searched his home on December 4 last year and discovered the plants in the attic, as well as quantities of the drug and heat lamps and plant pots elsewhere in the house.

Alan Mitcheson, prosecuting, said: “This was a work in progress and police arrived before production was organised into full swing,” said.

He said it was impossible for police to put a valuation on the plants because of the early stage of cultivation.

Richardson was arrested and interviewed, and told police he bought cannabis in bulk for personal use. He had bought 28 grams for £200 because it was cheaper than buying in small quantities.

“Family and very close friends knew he purchased in this way and contacted him to ask to purchase some from him, and he agreed to do this at cost on some occasions,” said Mr Mitcheson. “He didn’t do it for financial gain and didn’t supply to people he didn’t know. There was no indication that he was going to cultivate the plants in the loft.”

Sentencing him, Judge Patrick Robertshaw said: “You are 21 and of previous good character and the sale was to friends and relatives on a not-for-profit basis.

“The cultivation was described as a work in progress and it certainly initially lacked sophistication… certain means by which the plants might thrive had not been put in place when the police raided your home.”

He added: “Having said that, any offence of distributing a controlled drug is a serious matter, because they are one of the greatest ills facing society.”

Richardson was given a 39 week suspended sentence, to be suspended for two years, and 180 hours of unpaid work.