Doncaster man caught growing cannabis

Officers attended the home of Anthony Hill on January 3 as part of their enquiries for a man who was ‘unlawfully at large.’

Despite not finding anything to assist in their search during the visit to the home in Corona Drive, Thorne, officers found seven mature cannabis plants and 15 seedlings in a cupboard with an expected value of around £3,450.

Prosecuting, Brian Outhwaite said: “Mr Hill made admissions that he was addicted to the drug and was growing it for his own personal use.”

The court heard Hill, 58, had pleaded guilty to cannabis production at the earliest opportunity.

Speaking in mitigation, Kath Goddard said: “He has been of good character for his entire adult life.”

She said a community order with a rehabilitation requirement would give him the help he needed.

Hill was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a 15-day rehabilitation requirement at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday.

Recorder Andrew Baker QC said: “Given the amount of cannabis found, if you had attempted to sell it it may have had significant financial value but I am satisfied that’s not what you were doing it for.”