Rotherham business boss jailed over cannabis plants

Luke Stephenson (22) admitted growing cannabis plants, which could have brought in up to £15,000 on the streets, which were found behind a partition in the unit during a police raid.

Sheffield Crown Court was told that “sophisticated growing equipment” had been found during the raid on the premises at the Spencer Park Industrial Estate at Greasbrough Street, Rotherham.

Stevenson had told police that it was for personal consumption only.

In mitigation, Jim Baird said Stephenson, who lived on the premises at the unit where he ran a fledgling auto spares unit, had started smoking cannabis for pain relief after breaking his leg playing football.

He had ended up spending £100 a week on the drug, but had now curbed his addiction.

Stevenson will serve half of his 14-month jail term and the rest on licence. Judge Robinson ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the plants and growing equipment.

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