Cannabis-accused in 'suicide bid'

Patricia Tabram is defending herself during the court case

A woman who used cannabis to relieve pain was going to kill herself by driving off a cliff before discovering the drug, a court has heard.

Patricia Tabram, of Humshaugh, Northumberland, had been depressed since she found her teenage son dead in 1975, Carlisle Crown Court was told.

The court heard how the 68-year-old had tried to commit suicide 11 times.

Ms Tabram, who is defending herself, denies cultivating and possessing the Class C drug in 2005.

The court heard how police discovered cannabis plants in a walk-in wardrobe at her home near Hexham.

I was on 17 tablets a day when I was on medication so that was costing the NHS a lot of money Patricia Tabram

She later told officers she had planned to drive off a cliff late at night and kill herself.

She said: "I decided if Thelma and Louise can do it, I could do it too."

But later that day a worried friend came round and gave her a cigarette which contained cannabis, the jury heard.

Ms Tabram said she smoked the drug then fell asleep and when she woke up, the neck pain she had endured after two car crashes was alleviated.

She also wept in court as police interviews were read out by the prosecution which said the case was straight forward and did not concern the debate over the legalisation of cannabis.

The court heard Ms Tabram had fully co-operated with police and had directed officers to where the cannabis plants were growing.

NHS expense

She also told them there was powder stored in jars in her kitchen to be used in cooking.

She said: "I reckon three plants would get me through six months to a year and I wouldn't have to go and find a criminal to buy cannabis in this way.

"I wouldn't be costing the NHS money for any medication.

"I was on 17 tablets a day, when I was on medication, so that was costing the NHS a lot of money."