Fine for Montrose man who grew cannabis to ‘medicate’ partner

A 63-YEAR-OLD Angus man grew cannabis for his sick partner, a court has heard.

Alexander Johnstone, Glenesk Avenue, Montrose, was fined £400 at Arbroath Sheriff Court.

He previously admitted being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug at his home address on March 22.

The court heard Johnstone pleaded guilty at the outset and only has one previous conviction, from 1995.

Defence agent Nick Markowski said his client’s partner has fibromyalgia and the cannabis was to relieve her pain.

“He has seen his partner’s health deteriorate and that was the motivation for getting involved in cannabis,” said Mr Markowski.

“He apologises to the court and accepts he went about it the wrong way. He has a sense of shame and embarrassment.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson said he wanted to be satisfied Johnstone would no longer attempt to “medicate” his partner with illicit drugs.

Mr Markowski said Johnstone was keen to have a line drawn under the matter.

Sheriff Paterson fined Johnstone £400 and ordered him to forfeit a set of scales, a pipe and some bank bags.