A WINYATES man has been convicted of growing cannabis in his home – as a result of a random spot check on his car.
Kevin Fergie, of Lingen Close, pleaded guilty at Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday (September 4) to growing four mature cannabis plants, driving without insurance and without a licence.
Kerry Lovegrove, prosecuting, told the court police were carrying out checks on cars travelling on Coldfield Drive at about 8pm on February 25.
These showed that a passing Renault Clio had no tax or insurance so the officers stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver. They thought the 31-year-old looked nervous so they searched the car and found cannabis. They also discovered that Fergie had no driver’s licence.
The police then searched Fergie’s property and found the four cannabis plants in his bedroom, measuring 30 ins each, with sophisticated electric equipment to support their growth. When interviewed he told the officer they were for personal use.
Defence solicitor, Barry Cuttle, said: “There were four plants found and I am sure whilst you would never approve of the cultivation of one let alone four, the normal hearing in these sorts of things is dealing with more sophisticated ways of growing. There is no evidence that these were for gain other than for his own use.”
Chair of the bench, Fiona James, fined Fergie £100 for the cannabis, £110 for driving without insurance and £75 for not having a licence. He was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £105 in prosecution costs.
