Drugs stash was found in pantry
A married father-of-three has been given a suspended jail sentence after police found a stash of skunk cannabis in the pantry of his home.
Officers searched Sheldon Doyle's house in Fencote Crescent, Fagley, a year ago and found four bags, each containing 500g of the drug, in a holdall.
The 36-year-old told police he had bought the cannabis for just £500, but a judge yesterday rejected that claim after being told that the drugs could have been worth up to £17,000.
Doyle's barrister, Jonathan Oultram, suggested that the cannabis, which had been adulterated with microscopic glass beads, was only worth between £3,000 and £6,000 if bought in bulk and his client believed he was getting a bargain.
"He used the cannabis and from the very outset it caused him to cough and irritation at the back of his throat," said Mr Oultram.
The court heard that Doyle had a throat condition, which had required surgery.
Mr Oultram said that he had put the cannabis to one side believing his bargain had actually turned into a waste of £500.
Bradford Crown Court heard that Doyle had previous convictions for drugs offences involving cannabis.
Mr Oultram said his client had admitted possessing the cannabis with intent to supply on the basis that he may have passed some on to other users he knew.
After concluding that Doyle was unlikely to offend again, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC made him the subject of a 12-month prison term suspended for two years.
But Doyle will also have to do 200 hours' unpaid work for the community and pay £800 prosecution costs.
He will also have to take part in the Enhanced Thinking Skills programme.
1:51pm Friday 28th March 2008
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