Ian Marsh, 62, of Kent Avenue, Reedswood, Walsall, was found growing 49 cannabis plants at his home on May 6 last year. Authorities described his role in the operation as significant and increasing in seriousness.
Marsh pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis and illegally abstracting electricity at an earlier hearing at Walsall Magistrates Court.
During sentencing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Wednesday, Recorder Nicola Williams said Marsh’s offending had escalated and that he had “gone up a class.” She noted that despite his age and health problems, his actions warranted custody.
“I am inclined to see this as significant and at the top end of the sentencing guidelines,” she said. “It is a shame to see a man of your age and health conditions go into custody, but it is inevitable. You should not commit offences that can lead to a long jail term.”
Marsh was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis plants and related equipment.
