POOR POT PLANTS KEEP MAN OUT OF JAIL

Ashland, Ore. - A man charged with growing marijuana at his home
could have been jailed for years but was sentenced to probation
because the plants were in such bad shape.

William Lavon Atchley, 44, initially faced a charge of drug
manufacturing - which carries a maximum 20 year sentence - for
growing three marijuana plants.

But the plants were in such condition, public defender Herbert Putney
argued that Atchley should face a lesser sentence.

"He was almost embarrassed to admit they were his, it was so
straggly," Putney said.

He was sentenced to one year of probation and a $500 fine for
marijuana possession.