Eorann O’Connor recently represented a man accused of producing significant quantities of cannabis at grow houses in Rotherham. The prosecution relied upon evidence of presence at the addresses including the defendant’s DNA and footage of him attending. Upon examination, his phone contained videos of a large quantity of cannabis bud and photographs of cannabis plants and the interior of cannabis grow rooms. The prosecution alleged that bundles of cash found at his residence were consistent with the proceeds of growing and then selling cannabis.
The defence advanced was that although once a tenant at one address, the defendant had no involvement in growing cannabis at any property, the phone material was unsolicited content sent by associates, and the cash legitimate. Deficiencies in the prosecution case were highlighted by the Defence through cross examination of the officer in charge. The jury unanimously acquitted the defendant of all counts on the indictment. The instructing solicitor was Karibo Lawson of Ashcott Solicitors.