Bonhill man claimed drug plants were for his anxiety to protect son

Thomas Gillespie, of Braehead, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on October 19 for sentencing following an incident where he was caught in his former home at Kyle Terrace in Dumbarton with six cannabis plants.

Procurator fiscal Emma Petterson told the court that at around 5pm on April 18, 2020, police were asked to attended the property following a report of a disturbance.

When carrying out a search they found the drug cultivation of six plants, estimated to be worth £1,200, in a cupboard.

In response to the discovery, Gillespie said: “The plants are mine. I need it for my anxiety.”

His defence solicitor Scott Adair claimed that the 63-year-old made the claim after allowing his son to grow the drug.

He said: “He doesn’t know why he said what he said to the police, other than trying to protect his son.

“He allowed his son to produce the cannabis and as a result of that effectively closed his mind to it.

“He approached it so the attention didn’t incriminate his son but he knew of the cultivation that started in the background.

“His record is sporadic. Clearly he is a man that could use the system’s social work department.

“He has had very little contact with adult social work but is happy to comply.”

Speaking about Gillespie’s previous record, Mr Adair continued: “At times he has disengaged with my office but equally he has the support of his family.

“Most recently he has been in regular contact with the office.”

Sheriff Frances McCartney said: “The production of drugs causes a major harm to those particular issues and to wider society.”

Gillespie was handed a community payback order for 12 months with a conduct requirement to engage with adult social work services.

He was put on a 7pm to 7am curfew which will last for 14 weeks.

Addressing Gillespie, the sheriff said: “If there is any question of breaching any part of that order social work can bring you back to court so make sure that doesn’t happen.”