A MAN was given a suspended jail term for growing his own cannabis.

John Anthony Jones, of Brooklyn, Llandyssil, Montgomery, pleaded guilty at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court to producing the Class B drug and to failing to provide a specimen when suspected of having driven a vehicle.

Kevin Challinor, prosecuting, said officers found cannabis plants at the home of Jones, 53, when they executed a search warrant.

He said: “A quantity of cannabis was located, 13 small plants being recovered from a wardrobe downstairs and larger plants were found to the rear of the property.”

Mr Challinor added that on the same day officers went back to Jones’s home address later on to arrest him but there was no answer. They saw a blue Jaguar drive out from the property and checks showed it belonged to Jones.

Shortly afterwards Jones returned to the property “on foot” and was arrested, but refused to provide a breath sample when asked to do so. The court heard he was already subject to a driving ban.

Robert Hanratty, defending, said Jones knew how serious the offence was but it was a “very small operation” and the cannabis was for personal use.

“He finds it a very effective pain relief having suffered a very serious injury years ago,” he said.

A report read out by Julian Davies of the probation service stated that Jones, who used to work in forestry, had been the sole carer of his teenage son for the last 10 years.

Mr Davies added: “He regrets not providing the sample of breath. He crushes the leaves to make cannabis oil to rub on his shoulder for pain relief. Prescribed medication makes him feel ill.”

Chair of the magistrates bench Stephen Pembroke gave Jones an 18 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Mr Pembroke said: “We realise you have a medical problem but growing these plants is illegal.”

For failing to provide a specimen, Jones was given a three-year driving ban. He will also carry out 25 rehabilitation days, pay a £120 fine, a £122 victim surcharge and £200 in costs.