A Sandys man has been given a suspended prison sentence for growing cannabis.

Leon Woods, 48, from Long Bay Lane, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, cultivating cannabis and the possession of cannabis and drug-related equipment on October 21, 2022.

At a sentencing hearing yesterday, prosecutor Adley Duncan said Woods was found in possession of three cannabis plants and processed cannabis with a value of $16,911, in addition to $1,350 worth of cocaine.

Defence lawyer Marc Daniels pointed out that, although Woods had been charged with the possession of cannabis with intent to supply, the defendant maintained that the drug was strictly for his own use.

Mr Daniels also reminded the court that the Government had passed laws legalising the production, sale and consumption of cannabis in March 2022, six months before Woods committed the offences.

But in September 2022, the Governor, Rena Lalgie confirmed that she would not sign the Bill into law as it was not supported by the UK Government.

Mr Daniels said: “The Government was moving towards going in a certain direction. The law was evolving, but it didn’t get Royal Ascent.”

Before being sentenced, Woods apologised to the court.

He said: “I realise that this whole situation was a mistake. It was a bad decision that I made.

“It’s two years since it happened, and it definitely won’t happen again.“

Magistrate Craig Attridge gave Woods a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He also fined Woods, $1,000 for each count of possession, and a further $750 for possession of drug-related equipment.