A 31-year-old Forest of Dean man who was discovered by chance to be producing ‘shatter cannabis’ has been jailed for 20 months.

Prosecutor Rhianna Fricker told Gloucester Crown Court last Friday (May 6) that on April 5 last year, police arrived at the block of flats where William Haines was living in Mitcheldean High Street to investigate reports of cannabis dealing.

The police were unsure which flat was involved and they knocked on Haines’ door asking if he knew the person who was dealing. He replied that he didn’t.

The police felt Haines was acting suspiciously, having only opened the door very slightly and there was a strong smell of cannabis.

“The police eventually found the man they were looking for and arrested him They also found post addressed to Haines in his flat.

Police then returned to Haines’ flat and immediately admitted he had cannabis and “shatter” making equipment. He also had £600 in cash and other drug paraphernalia.

“In total Harris was found in possession of 23.65 grams of shatter cannabis which was valued between £5,620 and £11,240 and 1.5 kilos of cannabis flower heads, which has been valued in £7,500.”

Judge Rupert Lowe commented: “Shatter cannabis is the same as butane hash oil or honey oil which apparently is ten times stronger than ordinary cannabis and is known to cause a raft of medical problems. Haines has been before the courts for possessing cannabis and it looks like he is at it again.”

Ellen McAnaw, defending, said Haines had been a heavy cannabis user for some 20 years.

“He was foolishly using the stronger version in order to self-medicate himself for various ailments including ADHD and anxiety and it helped him to sleep,” she said.

Haines admitted producing cannabis and was sentenced to 20 months in jail.