Pubdate: Sun, 25 Aug 2001
Source: Duncan News Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Duncan News Leader
Contact:  http://www.duncannewsleader.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1314
Author: Steven Addison
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

MALAHAT MAN DISCOVERS PUFFING POT POOR ALCOHOL CURE

A Malahat man who tried to kick his drinking habit by smoking pot was 
punished this week with a four-month conditional sentence and curfew.

Dean Urton, 50, was charged with production of marijuana after police 
executed a search warrant in March and discovered 68 pot plants, growing 
equipment and other pot paraphernalia in his mobile home.

Defence lawyer John Stowell told Judge Keith Bracken his client was a 
borderline alcoholic who thought he could sober up with help from the 
illegal drug.

"Mr. Urton tells me he was not involved in a commercial operation," Stowell 
explained. "He turned to marijuana some time ago because he realized his 
consumption of alcohol was not doing him very good."

Stowell and Crown prosecutor Mike Coleman agreed a conditional sentence 
could be appropriate, so Urton could serve his sentence in the community 
without doing any jail time.

During the next four months he must remain in his house between 7 p.m. and 
6 a.m. and abstain from alcohol and illicit drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager