Larne man who '˜couldn't trust anybody' grew his own cannabis court told

Thomas Samways (20), formerly of Beachlands, but now with an address in Larne, admitted cultivating cannabis and possessing the Class B drug on New Year’s Day this year.

He appeared at Ballymena Magistrate’s Court on Thursday June 29 where a prosecutor said police received a report of the sound of breaking glass at Beachlands at 4.00 am, on January 1, and when they attended, they found windows smashed and there were the remains of eight cannabis plants in a bathroom and items in a bedroom including a tent, fans and lamps along with a small jar of cannabis.

Samways was interviewed and admitted having cannabis saying he kept it in a jar because he was assaulted six months previously and it helped him sleep at night.

He confirmed he lived at the house and at first denied cultivation but then said he would tell police the truth and that because he couldn’t trust anybody, he wouldn’t be buying any more cannabis on the streets, so he grew it himself.

His case has been adjourned until August for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.