A young dad was caught dealing drugs and police found 36 cannabis plants at home with his mother, who was a nurse.
Lewis Brooks was seen by police dealing drugs in Cardiff and officers discovered a small cannabis factory when they searched his home address.
Prosecutors at Cardiff Crown Court said an officer was on duty near Bishopston Road in Cardiff on the afternoon of September 14, 2018, when he saw an apparent drugs transaction.
The court heard he detained Lewis Brooks and searched his car, noticing a strong smell of cannabis. He found remnants of cannabis on the carpet and a grinder on the central console.
Prosecutors said the officer seized cash from Lewis Brooks’ pocket along with five grip-seal bags of cannabis and phones which were found to contain messages showing he had been dealing.
The court heard police went to his home address, where his mother was, and found 36 cannabis plants.
Lewis Brooks, from Bishopston Road, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.
Jonathan Lewis, defending, said his 20-year-old client had a young child and he had no previous convictions.
Judge Richard Twomlow gave him an eight-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.
He ordered Lewis Brooks to complete 10 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Joanne Brooks, 51, from Llewellyn Avenue in Ely , admitted allowing her premises to be used.
David Leathley, defending, said she worked as a nurse caring for older people and suffered a back injury while lifting a patient into bed.
The court heard she has health problems, including anxiety, and no previous convictions.
She said in her basis of plea the plants were put there by one of her son’s friends and the Crown did not seek a trial of issue. The prosecution offered no evidence regarding production.
Joanne Brooks was given a 12-month conditional discharge.
