Solar firm owner, Lee Watson, spared jail after growing cannabis to boost worker pay during the Covid pandemic.
The court heard Watson started growing during the pandemic. He wanted to boost his workers’ pay. This would prevent him from laying off employees. Police went to his home in December 2023.
They heard humming and smelled cannabis nearby. Watson wasn’t home then, yet police entered. They found 48 cannabis plants inside the house. Police found other drugs too.
These drugs included cocaine and MDMA. Watson lives on Kenninghall Road in East Harling. He appeared in court on Monday. Watson admitted producing cannabis. He also admitted possessing cannabis.
He possessed cocaine and MDMA too. He employs twenty-six people. His lawyer said Watson is honorable. He runs a successful company, apparently. He supported Great Ormond Street Hospital. He was naive during the pandemic period.
The lawyer claimed the plants all rotted. Watson’s cannabis crop failed completely. The court sentenced Watson. His sentence was ten months. It was suspended for eighteen months. He must also do 200 hours of unpaid work.