Judge REFUSES to jail cancer victim who has twice been caught growing cannabis for pain relief

Aug 28, 2014 18:29 By Anthony Bond

Jonathan Yates, 65, whose throat has been badly damaged by radiation treatment for tongue cancer, says cannabis is the only effective pain killer he can find.

A judge today refused to jail a cancer victim who has twice been caught growing cannabis – saying he would ‘not be able to live with himself’ if he locked him up.

Jonathan Yates, 65, whose throat has been badly damaged by radiation treatment for tongue cancer, says cannabis is the only effective pain killer he can find.

Although he was caught cultivating the drug in 2011 he went on growing it in his home in Brockworth, Gloucester, and was arrested again in April .

He pleaded guilty at Gloucester crown court today to producing 36 plants in his home and to supplying some to his lodger.

But after hearing of his plight Judge William Hart refused to jail him – or even pass a suspended sentence.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/judge-refuses-jail-cancer-victim-4125347