Morton: A security worker has been spared jail after he admitted to watering cannabis plants

Christopher Johnson, 47, was caught after police discovered the plants at a property in Morton, near Gainsborough.

Lincoln Crown Court heard Johnson was the tenant of the property which had been sub-let to others who had set up the “relatively professional” grow.

When police searched Johnson’s car they found an extendable baton inside, the court was told.

Johnson gave a no comment interview to the police but later admitted watering the plants.

Jon Dee, prosecuting, said police accepted it was the first grow as there was no signs of cropping and the growing equipment was new.

Ben Isaacs, mitigating, told the court Johnson played a very limited role in the grow and was an “honorable man” with a military background.

Mr Isaacs said Johnson worked in the security industry and had the baton for when he guarded a large house at night with a half a mile long drive.

Mr Isaacs said: “He has never used it.”

“He had no intention of using it.”

Johnson, of Gladstone Cottages, Morton, near Gainsborough, admitted being involved in the production of cannabis and possessing an offensive weapon.

He was sentenced to three months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and placed under probation supervision for 18 months.

Passing sentence Recorder Nigel Daly said he accepted Johnson had not played a direct role in the grow.