A COWES man has been fined £1,500 after he admitted growing 11 plants of cannabis with two friends.
Matthew Lee Gerrard, 45, of Newport Road, appeared in front of Judge Anthony Callaway at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court.
Ann Smout, prosecuting, said Gerrard and two friends had grown the cannabis for their own use, in Gerrard’s cellar.
There was no suggestion it was a commercial operation, and the two friends were dealt with out of court.
Liz Miller, for Gerrard, said he worked full-time but suffered back pain, and used the cannabis to help with the pain.
Judge Callaway ordered Gerrard to pay £85 costs and a £150 surcharge, plus the fine.
