GROWING SINGLE CANNABIS PLANT AT HOME LANDS BRADING MAN IN COURT

A Brading man who was growing a single cannabis plant in his home has been fined £80. John Costello, 57, of West Street in Brading pleaded guilty to producing a controlled drug of Class B (cannabis). Prosecutor Lauren Stone told the court that on 17th September this year, Police were called to Costello’s address on unrelated matters. At the scene, Police conducted a search of his home and found a cannabis plant. Costello was asked by Police if the plant was for his own personal use, to which he admitted it was for him and he had been growing it for a few months. The 57-year-old was last in court back in 2018 for an offence of battery. Defending, Oscar Vincent said that Costello – who is a full-time carer – deserved full credit for his timely plea of guilt. Magistrates handed Costello an £80 fine and ordered him to pay costs of £85 and a £32 surcharge fee.