Man grew cannabis plants in Telford bedroom

Stefan Sidney Mattox, 27, was arrested when police executed a drugs warrant at an address in Dawley, Telford, and found the plants in an upstairs bedroom in November 2015.

Mattox, of Park Street in Madeley, pleaded guilty to growing the plants at Telford Magistrates Court yesterday, where he was also handed an eight-week curfew.

Prosecuting, Miss Abigail Hall said: “Police entered and the defendant was the only person present at the address.

“Officers found a cannabis growing room in a first floor bedroom, walls were lined and there was ventilation and lighting that had been installed.

“38 plants in various stages of cultivation were found in that growing room.

“He said he had planted them from seeds and they were approximately six weeks old.

“He said he wasn’t sharing or selling the product he had grown.”

Defending, Mr Steven Meredith said that Mattox had been suffering from post traumatic stress disorder after part of his ear was bitten off in an attack.

He said: “He is very remorseful about this offence. The attack has had an impact on his life. He couldn’t leave the house, all he does is drink and smoke cannabis in his home.”

“It is not at all what he wants for himself.”

The court heard that Mattox had already co-operated well with probation services and was keen to take up any rehabilitation programmes.

Chairman of the bench, Judith Coleman, said: “Well done to you for co-operating already. The next bit is up to you to continue co-operation and benefitting from all they are doing for you.

“This is your opportunity to get yourself on the straight and narrow. Work with probation and what we have said, and you should see some good progress.”

Mattox was given an eight-week curfew and 12 month community order.

He will also have to take part in drug rehabilitation activity for six months and complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £275.