Man who grew cannabis at his mam's house appears in court

Kenneth Sherrington, 30, was nabbed when police went to the address in Regent Terrace, Grangetown, Sunderland, on an unrelated matter, a court heard.

Sherrington, of Villette Road, Hendon, Sunderland, confessed to growing the illegal class B substance for own use for two years.

In total, fifteen plants were found on January 7 last year in what amounted to a “cannabis farm”, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy said the drugs had a street value of between £5,220 and £6320.

Magistrates told Sherrington his offence was aggravated by the fact he had grown cannabis over a lengthy period and had done so at his mum’s home.

And they also highlighted the fact he has three previous criminal convictions relating to cannabis.

Ms Duffy said: “At 8.20pm, officers attended Regent Terrace on an unrelated matter at the defendant’s mother’s home.

“He was present at the address when the officers attended. The officers found a cannabis farm in his bedroom.

“There was an 825g yield, with a value of between £5,220 and £6,320.

“He made full admissions in interview and said that he had been growing the cannabis for his own use.

“He has 16 convictions, three of which are for drugs' offences, for cannabis.

“This offence is aggravated by the fact he’s been growing for his own use for two years.”

Tom Morgan, defending, said: “He’s a man with complex psychological issues and has been diagnosed as having schizophrenia.

“It’s some time since this offence.”

Sherrington pleaded guilty to production of cannabis.

Magistrates adjourned the case for reports and granted Sherrington unconditional bail to be sentenced at the same court on Friday, May 7.