Pubdate: Thu, 01 Mar 2007
Source: Shields Gazette, The (UK)
Copyright: 2007 Johnston Press
Contact: http://www.southtynesidetoday.co.uk/contactus.aspx
Website: http://www.southtynesidetoday.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4452
Author: Kaye Henry
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)

EVICTION THREAT FOR DRUG GRAN

GRANDMOTHER Patricia Tabram, who "self-medicates" with cannabis, says she 
will fight housing company plans to evict her.

Mrs Tabram, 68, was convicted earlier this month of possessing and 
cultivating cannabis at her home in Humshaugh, Northumberland, having 
previously been given a two-year suspended sentence for supplying the drug.

The South Shields-born mother-of-three had vowed to carry on using 
cannabis, saying it is more effective and less harmful in treating 
illnesses and depression than prescription drugs.

Northumbria Police became aware of her activities when she was caught 
supplying other elderly people with cakes laced with cannabis.

Her landlord Milecastle Housing held a board meeting to discuss her future 
and decided not evict her immediately.

Tenant services manager Chris Scott said: "The board of Milecastle Housing 
has agreed to apply to the court for a possession order, suspended for up 
to two years, in respect of the home in which Mrs Patricia Tabram lives in 
Humshaugh, Northumberland.

"If the order is granted, she will be allowed to continue living at the 
property only as long as she observes the terms of her tenancy agreement 
and does not cultivate or use cannabis in the property."

But Mrs Tabram says: "I cannot give up cannabis - my health problems are so 
bad."
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