A Paisley man who returned home to find cops had forced entry into his flat and discovered his cannabis cultivation worth £5,000 has narrowly avoided jail time.
John Cruickshanks walked into his Neilston Road property to find police officers had let themselves in due to the fact it was causing “significant damage” to the residence below.
The 38-year-old told cops he had lived at the flat for around two years but made off before they could arrest him.
However, the following day, Cruickshanks handed himself in to Paisley police station where he was arrested for producing a Class B drug.
Sheriff Anderson warned Cruickshanks that “producing cannabis in this volume quite often leads to a jail sentence”.
Prosecutor Michael Cunningham previously told Paisley Sheriff Court: “PC Ashmed was on uniformed patrol when he was tasked to attend the Neilston Road property in relation to an unrelated matter.
“On attending, PC Ashmed made numerous attempts to get anybody inside to open the door. Entry was forced for the protection of the property due to it causing significant damage to the premises below.
“PC Ashmed entered, concluded no one was there and on entering a bedroom to the right of the property saw several items commonly used in the production of cannabis growth.”
The court heard PC Ashmed saw a “large black tent” containing 14 “mature plants” within a bedroom and an additional 23 “infant plants” within a cupboard in the bedroom.
Mr Cunningham added: “PCs Thomson, McBride and Ashmed observed paperwork addressed to John Cruickshanks, in particular was a council tax bill and numerous banking letters.
“Around 1.25pm, while property protection duties were being carried out, the accused attended at the property and spoke with officers.”
Cruickshanks then disappeared but the following day, he handed himself in.
Mr Cunningham said the 14 mature plants were examined, judged to be “healthy and well maintained” and capable of producing one to three ounces of cannabis. This gave the plants a total value of £5,000.
Cruickshanks admitted that, between January 2 and March 6 last year, he produced cannabis at his home in Neilston Road.
Defence agent Gemma Elder on behalf of the father-of-two said: “Prior to covid, Mr Cruickshanks was in employment but, when lockdown hit, he began regular use of cannabis and it became habitual.
“He could no longer afford it and with more time on his hands, he became self-sufficient. Ultimately, he is glad police caught up with him as the cannabis was exacerbating his mood rather than aiding it.”
Sheriff Anderson added: “I’m prepared to accept that although this was a large production, it was primarily for your use.
“As a direct alternative to prison, I will impose a community-based disposal. It’s intended as a punishment but also to be of a benefit to you.
“You’ve got two young children who need a better example than this and, most importantly, you must not expose them to any cannabis.”
Cruickshanks was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work in the community within six months and placed under supervision of the social work department for 12 months.
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