SHERIFF SHOWS MERCY TO RETIRED PRO-BOXER WHO GREW CANNABIS IN HIS
ATTIC 'FOR PAIN'

A FORMER boxer who converted his attic into a cannabis farm was shown
mercy yesterday after convincing a sheriff he used the drug to deal
with chronic pain.

Christopher Jones, a professional who retired from the ring when he
lost sight in one eye, was caught growing 26 plants with potential
street value of UKP3,000.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that Jones, who has also worked as a
local authority gardener, suffered from chronic pain in his back and neck.

He had been prescribed painkillers to alleviate the problem, but told
the court they had caused him a number of embarrassing side-effects.

Jones, 33, of Scone, Perthshire, admitted three charges relating to
the production of cannabis at his home in September last year. Paul
Ralph, defending, said: "From being a man who was very active, he is
reduced, through his pain, to spending most of his time in the house.

It was suggested that he should try cannabis and, having smoked some,
he decided this was a cheaper way to keep going."

Finding that jail was "not necessary", Sheriff Foulis fined Jones UKP500.