26/01/2007

Cannabis chocolate suppliers spared jail

Three people who supplied cannabis-laced chocolate bars to multiple sclerosis sufferers have escaped jail sentences.

Mark Gibson and his wife Lezley, both 42, from Alston, Cumbria and Marcus Davies, 36, from St Ives, Cambs, were each given a nine-month suspended sentence.

All three had earlier been convicted of conspiring to supply cannabis.

Mr and Mrs Gibson had admitted making thousands of 'Canna-Biz' bars and sending them to MS sufferers around the world, while Davies had admitting running an associated website and post office box.

All three defendants had said that they believed they had a defence of medical necessity in supplying the bars, arguing that the drug eased the symptoms of the illness.

However, a jury rejected this defence last month.

Mr and Mrs Gibson also said that they operated a free service, which was funded by voluntary donations, and also said that customers had to provide a medical note, confirming their condition.

Speaking outside Carlisle Crown Court on Friday, Mrs Gibson told reporters that she was very disappointed by the decision. She said: "I still don't think I've done anything wrong. How can it be wrong to try and help ill people?”

The Gibsons are planning to appeal against their conviction.

(KMcA)


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