Sunderland man who grew cannabis farm in his bedroom to 'self medicate' spared jail

Police found a growing "farm" in a bedroom at Connor Ramsay's home that contained two tents being used to grow a total of 11 cannabis plants.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the crop could have produced cannabis worth up to £9,000.

Ramsay, who also had a small jar of cannabis oil and some cannabis resin, said he used the drug because prescribed medication made him into a "zombie".

Prosecutors accepted the 25-year-old had grown the drugs for his own use.

Lee Fish, prosecuting, told the court: "There is no evidence which the prosecution can rely on which demonstrates that he was involved in the supply of cannabis."

Ramsay, of Theme Road, Sunderland, admitted producing and possessing cannabis.

Vic Laffey, defending, said Ramsay, who has since set up his own business, used the drug to ease depression and as a painkiller for a long-standing shoulder problem he developed as a teen.

Mr Laffey added: "He received medication which made him feel extremely unwell and as a result he began to self medicate and began to grow his own cannabis.

"He understands he needs to make changes and understands he needs to explore alternative ways of dealing with the problems that led him to use cannabis."

Mr Recorder Angus Withington sentenced Ramsay to to a community order for 12 months with rehabilitation requirements.

The judge told him: "Anyone involving themselves in any respect with unlawful drugs, cannabis or otherwise, risks significant penalties."