CANNABIS KIT SELLERS JAILED DESPITE PLEAS

Two men who insisted they believed their business selling
cannabis-growing equipment was legal have been jailed.

Paul Fenwick and David Kenning supplied goods, materials and manuals
to enable customers of their business, based at Derby Trading Estate,
in Stores Road, to grow cannabis plants.

They said they had thought that the business was legitimate,
especially as it had been checked by police and trading standards officers.

The pair even advertised the business - Hydroponics Wholesale - in the
belief they were not committing any offence.

But when undercover police officers visited the firm, they were given
advice on how to use equipment to grow cannabis plants and the pair
were arrested.

Yesterday, Judge David Price imposed a 36-month jail sentence on
Fenwick, 45, of Leicestershire, who at a trial in November had been
found guilty of conspiring to aid and abet production of cannabis.

He was also sentenced for having an unlicensed firearm and producing
UKP2,000 of cannabis with intent to supply.

A 21-month jail term was also imposed on Kenning, 36, of Wymeswold,
Leicestershire, who had been convicted of the conspiracy charge.

Sitting at Nottingham Crown Court, the judge also issued an arrest
warrant for a third man, Paul Blackshaw, 32, of Barley Close, Little
Eaton.

He worked for the men and was found guilty of being part of the
conspiracy but failed to attend court.

Solicitors acting for the men have now applied for the case to be
heard at the Court of Appeal because they claim the charges they faced
are not lawful.

The judge told Kenning and Fenwick: "In effect, the jury convicted you
of being involved in a conspiracy to produce cannabis.

"Your part of that conspiracy was to supply goods, materials and
manuals to enable customers to produce cannabis.

"You knew the business was illegal but realised there were huge
profits to be made. That is why you continued."

David Matthew, for Kenning, said: "He is convicted of an offence not
known in law. It is quite clear from the Government papers mentioned
in the grounds of appeal that Government lawyers agree the offence
charged is not known to law."

Mr Matthew said Kenning did not use the drug and told the judge: "He
is not on a personal crusade to deal with cannabis and make it more
available."

He said Kenning paid himself UKP2,000 a month from the
business.

James Beck, for Fenwick, said there was "widespread confusion" over
the law.

Mr Beck said: "This is not a man who continued an illegal operation
hidden away. It has been advertised, including at Derby football ground.

"This is a man who is a good man," said Mr Beck.

He said Fenwick was an acupuncturist who had helped many
people.