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FORTY-five cannabis plants were found at the house

06 August 2010
A BULWELL woman who admitted growing cannabis with a potential value of
25,000 told a court she was trying to raise money to have a baby.
Christy Hayes (31) and Lee Buckley (25) were arrested after the drugs were found at a house they privately rented on Hazel Street in the town.

Both defendants, now of Quarry Avenue in Bulwell, pleaded guilty to production of cannabis and possession with intent to supply.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that they were directed by an unnamed third party to grow the drugs. They were 'gardeners' to the crop and would have received financial reward.

Buckley, who had 16 convictions on his record totalling more than 20 offences, including assault, was jailed for 18 months. This was his first drugs-related conviction.

Hayes said that she was trying to raise money for IVF treatment in a bid to get pregnant.

Judge Andrew Hamilton warned her that he was considering sending her straight to custody but he agreed to a psychiatric report before sentencing on Wednesday September 8.

The court heard that Buckley and Hayes were caught when police raided the house on Hazel Street. A search found 45 cannabis plants in a bedroom, along with specialist lighting equipment, fans, plant food and air-ducting.

Lisa Hardy (prosecuting) said there was a "classic hydroponics system".

Robust female plants, which are the most valuable, were almost ready for cultivation.

If the plants had been harvested at that stage, the yield would have weighed 1.22 kilograms and would have been worth
7,800.

But if they had been allowed to grow for longer, the value of the crop would have increased to
25,000.

The judge told Buckley that he had taken a risk, he had been caught out and now he had to go to prison.

He added: "If everyone did what you did, the place would be awash with cannabis.

It was said Buckley regretted his role and had been working hard to better himself, gaining a forklift-truck licence.

Ear

Bongme