Pubdate: Thu, 18 Aug 2005
Source: News & Star (UK)
Copyright: 2005 News & Star
Contact:  http://www.news-and-star.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/797
Author: Nick Griffiths
Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance http://www.lca-uk.org
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)

CONSPIRACY CHARGES FOR CANNABIS CAMPAIGNERS

A Cumbrian couple who stood for the Legalise Cannabis Alliance party
at the general election have been charged with plotting to supply the
drug.

Mark and Lezley Jane Gibson, of Front Street, Alston, have been
charged alongside another man with one count each of conspiracy to
supply cannabis.

It is alleged this took place between January 2000 and February
2005.

Mark Gibson, 41, stood as a candidate for Penrith and the Border in
the May election as well as in 2001, while his wife stood in the
Carlisle constituency this year.

Lezley Gibson, also 41, came to national attention in 2000 when she
was cleared at Carlisle Crown Court of possessing cannabis.

The jury made its decision after hearing how she needed the drug to
ease her multiple sclerosis (MS).

In 2003, Mark Gibson shelved plans to open a Dutch-style cannabis cafe
in Cumbria.

Speaking to the News & Star after the charges were brought, he said:
"I can categorically deny selling any cannabis to anyone."

The Gibsons, who run a shop in Alston, are co-accused of the same
charge with Marcus Peter Davies , 36, of The Grove, Warboys Road, St
Ives, Cambridgeshire on July 25.

They are all due to appear before Carlisle Crown Court tomorrow.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin