EVICTION THREAT FOR DRUG GRAN

GRANDMOTHER Patricia Tabram, who "self-medicates" with cannabis, says she
will fight housing company plans to evict her.

Mrs Tabram, 68, was convicted earlier this month of possessing and
cultivating cannabis at her home in Humshaugh, Northumberland, having
previously been given a two-year suspended sentence for supplying the drug.

The South Shields-born mother-of-three had vowed to carry on using
cannabis, saying it is more effective and less harmful in treating
illnesses and depression than prescription drugs.

Northumbria Police became aware of her activities when she was caught
supplying other elderly people with cakes laced with cannabis.

Her landlord Milecastle Housing held a board meeting to discuss her future
and decided not evict her immediately.

Tenant services manager Chris Scott said: "The board of Milecastle Housing
has agreed to apply to the court for a possession order, suspended for up
to two years, in respect of the home in which Mrs Patricia Tabram lives in
Humshaugh, Northumberland.

"If the order is granted, she will be allowed to continue living at the
property only as long as she observes the terms of her tenancy agreement
and does not cultivate or use cannabis in the property."

But Mrs Tabram says: "I cannot give up cannabis - my health problems are so
bad."