Pubdate: Mon, 19 Sep 2005
Source: Times, The (UK)
Copyright: 2005 Times Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.the-times.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/454
Author: Philippe Naughton
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)

CANNABIS GRANNY FACES JAIL FOR POT PLANTS

Patricia Tabram, a cannabis-growing grandmother, said today that she
expects to be sent to jail after police discovered four marijuana
plants in her home.

The 66-year-old, who says that she is "medicating" friends who are
sick or in pain because conventional medicines do not work, compared
herself to Emmeline Pankhurst, the pioneering suffragist, saying she
was willing to face her fate.

Mrs Tabram was given a six-month prison term, suspended for two years,
in April when she admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply
from her home in East Lea, in Humshaugh, near Hexham,
Northumberland..

Acting on a tip-off, Northumbria police raided her bungalow last week
and found the illegal plants. A spokeswoman said: "As a result of
information received, we executed a warrant at an address in the
Hexham area on the morning of Friday, September 16. A 66-year-old
Hexham woman was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and
bailed pending further inquiries."

Mrs Tabram said today: "The police raided my home on Friday morning.
Three officers came to the door and said 'We've got information that
you have been growing plants'.

"They went right through my home and found four plants, each about 4ft
high, which I have been trying to grow. The leaves were beginning to
go brown and starting to die. I've never successfully grown a plant
but I do not want to have to go to a criminal for my cannabis.

"I realise I am going to go to prison," she added. "Emmeline Pankhurst
had to go to prison three times before women got the vote so I am not
going to be worried about it.

"I have been thinking about things over the weekend and if the police
charge me with anything except for 'my own use', then I am going to
plead not guilty and go to trial

".I have decided to defend myself. I am going to be my own solicitor,
my own barrister and my own criminal. I did not go to university but I
have read many books about this country's drug laws and when I get
into court I am going to tell the judge and jury about the hypocrisy
of our laws.

"I'm going to do my best in court and if I get a bigger sentence, then
tough Charlie. If I get the same judge as last time, then tough Charlie.

"I'm just an old, grey, tubby grandma and I'm going to fight
this."

Mrs Tabram, who prides herself on her homemade herbal cookies,
casseroles and soups, cuts an unlikely figure as a drug user.  She has
cooked up treats laced with cannabis for neighbours and friends in her
village since being introduced to the Class C drug  last year by
friends and finding that it helped to alleviate the symptoms of
depression, whiplash and neck pain.

Northumbria Police were tipped off about the savoury smells and
activities coming from Mrs Tabram's bungalow and twice raided her
house, in May and June last year. They seized 8.5oz (242g) of "skunk"
cannabis - the most powerful variety - with a street value of UKP 854
and she was charged with possession with intent to supply.

Mrs Tabram admitted the offence and in April Judge David Hodson, the
Recorder of Newcastle, jailed the former chef for six months,
suspended for two years. He also told her to pay UKP 750 costs and
ordered the destruction of the cannabis police seized from her home.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake