Cannabis grandmother found guilty

Patricia Tabram defended herself during the court case

A 68-year-old grandmother has been convicted of possessing and growing cannabis at her Northumberland home.

Patricia Tabram, from Humshaugh, near Hexham, had denied the charges at Carlisle Crown Court.

She was arrested after police seized four plants and growing equipment from her bungalow in September 2005.

Earlier that year Ms Tabram had been spared jail after admitting possessing cannabis with intent to supply. Sentencing was delayed for reports.

I am old and I am tired and I am disappointed Patricia Tabram

The pensioner, who defended herself during the trial, is a vocal campaigner for the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

She was in breach of a six-month suspended jail sentence when police, acting on a tip-off, found the plants in a walk-in wardrobe at her home.

Ms Tabram also told them there was powder stored in jars in her kitchen to be used in cooking, the court heard.

Speaking after her conviction, she said: "I am old and I am tired and I am disappointed, not in the result by the jury. I am disappointed in the attitude of the court regarding someone my age with my health problems and the way I deal with it.

"I just want to go home and get some rest."