EX-SOLDIER GREW DRUG FOR STRESS - CANNABIS FACTORY DISCOVERED IN BEDROOM

A former Winchester soldier cultivated cannabis at his house to help him
cope with post-traumatic stress disorder; a court heard.

Aaron Lempriere, 29, had set up a cannabis factory in a bedroom at the house
in Wayneflete Place, Stanmore, Winchester Crown Court was told. The court
heard that 42 plants were found in a bedroom converted into a sophisticated
indoor greenhouse. There were fans, ventilators, lights, water pipes and
meters to check growth. Detectives estimated the fully grown plants would
weigh 756 grams with a value of UKP2,430.

Lempriere, a tree surgeon, claimed that the drug was for personal use to
help him cope with the stress disorder caused after active service in
Northern Ireland and the Gulf. Andrew Barnett, defending, said: "He served
eight years in the Army and had a difficult time. The Army are sometimes
not the most sympathetic."

Sentencing, Judge Patrick Hooten said: "You deserve credit for the fact you
served in the Army and have undergone fairly trying circumstances. There is
no doubt that post-traumatic stress disorder does exist and you may be
suffering from it." But he added: "You can't sort your problems out by
cultivating cannabis." The judge said if Lempriere had grown the cannabis
for commercial gain he would be going to jail.

He placed Lempriere, who admitted cultivating the drug, on probation for two
years and ordered the cannabis-growing equipment be confiscated.