Cannabis cultivator in Wick had used the drug since he was 13, court hears

A middle-aged Wick man caught producing cannabis was said to have cultivated his habit from the age of thirteen Wick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday.

Police who searched Ryan Gunn's home in the town's Nicolson Street discovered nine mature plants and fifteen others at an early stage.

These were grown between April 1 and July 10, 2022.

David Barclay said that the cannabis operation was clearly for Gunn's own personal use and added that the plants, fully grown, would have commanded a financial return of £250 each.

However, the fiscal added that this would depend on them reaching maturity and attaining maximum quality. The plants and growing equipment had been forfeited, he added.

It was George Mathers who revealed that Gunn, who is now 43, had been a cannabis user since the age of 13.

The solicitor continued: "He was introduced to the Class B drug by his father who was also a user. His parents separated when he was 15 and it was a difficult period for the accused who became increasingly involved in substance misuse and not just cannabis."

Mr Mathers said that Gunn got involved in some trouble in America and was deported and returned to Wick. Gunn's wife knew nothing about his cannabis operation and was supporting him.

Sheriff Mark Lindsay QC said it appeared to have been accepted that Gunn was growing the cannabis for his own use as opposed to seeking his supplies from outside sources.

The sheriff added that a custodial sentence was not required. He fined Gunn £600.