‘FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES’: Steven Brindle.
TWO “hardworking” fathers are beginning jail sentences for helping run a £130,000 cannabis factory in Beverley.
Steven Brindle, 46, and his accomplice Vincent Donkin, 40, admitted producing cannabis.
Hull Crown Court heard how police discovered a “sophisticated” cannabis factory in the annex to the rented house in Victoria Road.
Brindle’s partner Viki Garniss, who he lived with, avoided jail after she admitted allowing the house to be used as the base for the 255-plant cannabis farm.
Brindle, who is recovering from a heart attack, later tried to pin the blame on a fellow tenant, known only as Mr Powdrill, who is disabled, which led to that man’s arrest.
Sentencing, Recorder Peter Babb told Brindle: “You would have expected to make a significant financial reward as a result of that cannabis factory.
“I know you were in financial difficulties at the time and I deal with you on the basis that other people approached you with a view to starting it up, but you played a part by watering and planting and making sure everything was going as well as possible.
“You told police, after putting a sign on the door, it was all down to Mr Powdrill, who was arrested, interviewed and kept on bail for some considerable time, until it became clear he was in no way part of the factory.
“That behaviour is inexcusable.
“You have been a hard-working man, with good references, and you have effectively been the main carer for your elderly parents who are in a poor state of health.
“You too are not without your problems but, anyone who is involved in the potential production of cannabis puts themselves and their liberty at risk.”
The court heard all three defendants, none of whom had previous convictions, were parents and that Donkin was the full-time carer for his young son.
Donkin, whose fingerprints were found on the factory equipment at Brindle’s house, also faced a separate count of producing cannabis after police raided his home and discovered 36 cannabis plants, worth £9,000.
Mr Babb told him: “I have seen a large number of references from friends and family, particularly in relation to your young son, who has a serious condition, and I am satisfied you have been a good father and husband.
“But, people who involve themselves in the production of cannabis, particularly on this scale, have to realise that once the game is up, that a custodial sentence is the only possible outcome.
“You anticipated making significant profit.
“The further aggravating feature is whilst your young son and other children were present in your address, you were growing cannabis plants and that is inexcusable.”
Brindle also pleaded guilty to stealing £5,000 of electricity and being in possession of a CS gas cannister, which officers found during the search of the house.
when they raided his work.
Garniss had known about the cannabis farm for a week-and-a-half but did not inform the police, the court was told.
Mr Babb told her: “I am satisfied in your case, baring in mind the extent of the cannabis on your door-step, that your offence has crossed the custody threshold.
“You were under pressure to make sure what you knew didn’t go any further. You were not the instigator or involved in the set up, other than knowing about it and not informing the authorities.”
She was given a three-month prison sentence, suspended for a year.
Brindle was jailed for three years, while Donkin was sentenced to three years, four months.
'Hardworking' fathers jailed for helping run 130000 cannabis factory in Beverley
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