A CUMBRIAN couple who supplied cannabis-laced chocolate bars to
hundreds of multiple sclerosis sufferers have been given suspended
nine-month jail terms.

Mark and Lezley Gibson, both 42, and their co-defendant Marcus Davies,
38, ran what became a virtual cottage industry, distributing about 100
Canna-Biz bars a week to people who could prove they had the crippling
disease MS.

Amid intense media scrutiny at Carlisle Crown Court yesterday, Judge
John Phillips suspended for two years the nine-month sentences he
passed on all three, after accepting that they were motivated by a
desire to help others.

All three were convicted by a jury of two counts each of conspiring to
supply cannabis between January 2004 and February 2005.

Throughout their trial, they had argued there is evidence that
cannabis use can substantially ease MS symptoms. Lezley Gibson, who
was diagnosed with the illness 21 years ago, insisted that her use of
the drug had kept her out of a wheelchair.

During the trial, it emerged how the Gibsons spent several years
making Canna-Biz bars at their Front Street home in Alston, while Mr
Davies set up a website for the service, using a PO Box in Huntington
to collect orders.

At its height, the operation supplied 1,600 people - an estimated two
per cent of the UK's MS sufferers.

Andrew Ford, for Lezley Gibson, said her motive was entirely
altruistic. As Mrs Gibson wept in the dock, Mr Ford added: "She's the
only defendant who has daily to endure these symptoms."

He said dealing with MS was a full-time job for Mrs Gibson. "She's
worried that some of the people she has supplied will be drawn towards
the murky world of drug dealers to obtain their cannabis. She's
concerned for their safety."

Passing sentence, Judge John Phillips accepted that none of the
defendants was motivated by money, saying: "I accept that their
motives were altruistic - they perceived that they were genuinely
helping those suffering from MS."

After the case, a crowd of about 500 supporters applauded the
defendants as they emerged from court.

Mrs Gibson said: "I don't think I've done anything wrong. I shouldn't
be punished for helping people. All I've ever done is want to be well.
It can't be wrong to help people by giving them medicine.

"Now people will be forced to go to street dealers."

All three intend to appeal against their convictions.