BRADFORD’S top judge today sent out a warning about the danger that long-term skunk cannabis use poses to young men’s mental health.

The city’s Recorder, Judge Richard Mansell QC, was sentencing a man aged 34 who had been on the drug for 15 years.

Alister Forde had suffered severe psychiatric problems in the past and he was on medication for anxiety and depression, Bradford Crown Court was told.

He was caught growing 30 cannabis plants at his top-floor flat in Brunswick Street, Halifax, on January 19 last year.

He pleaded guilty at the magistrates’ court to production of cannabis and possession of the Class B drug with intent to supply.

Prosecutor Ken Green said that the police discovered the sophisticated grow in both bed-rooms at the flat.

Forde had made the most of the limited space available, installing fans and extractors and lining the walls.

Mr Green said the potential yield from the crop was 1.65 kilos that could have fetched £16,500 if broken up into individual street deals.

The police also seized £223 worth of harvested cannabis that Forde had bagged up ready to sell, and £500 in cash.

He made no comment to the police except to confirm that he lived at the address and that the cannabis was his.

Forde had a previous conviction dating from 2009 for production of cannabis.

His barrister, Abigail Langford, said he had his own business as a courier.

His was very lightly convicted and the offence 12 years ago was the only drugs matter.

Forde had been taking cannabis for many years and had mental health problems, Miss Langford told the court.

Judge Mansell said he had read many reports that detailed the serious affect that taking skunk cannabis had, particularly on young men.

Forde had been on it for about 15 years, since his late teens. He had suffered psychiatric problems and he was on medication for depression and anxiety.

He had set up the grow to feed his own habit and had cultivated enough to sell.

Forde was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 200 hours of unpaid work and up to 15 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service.

Judge Mansell urged him to take the help and support he was being offered.

‘It’s not too late to turn your life around,’ he told him.

He also advised him to stop taking cannabis and to work hard at building up his business.