Scott Beveridge, a 33-year-old father with a history of drug convictions, told police he planned to personally smoke a cannabis crop potentially worth over £50,000 that was discovered growing in his rented home in Fazakerley, Liverpool. However, a judge at Liverpool Crown Court rejected this explanation, calling it implausible given Beveridge's record of drug supply.
Police Raid and Discovery
On April 29 this year, police raided Beveridge's home on Amanda Road and found 107 cannabis plants spread across three rooms. The crop was estimated to yield between 2.9kg and 8.9kg of cannabis, with a street value ranging from £11,985 to £53,928. No one was present during the raid, but Beveridge surrendered himself at a police station on May 9.
Beveridge's Claims and Criminal History
In an interview, Beveridge admitted responsibility for the plants but initially said he "wasn't sure what he was going to do with them." Later, in a pre-sentence report, he claimed the cannabis was for his own personal use. However, his barrister Sarah Griffin told the court that her client "did not maintain" that account. Beveridge has 16 previous convictions for 30 offences, including a 2014 suspended sentence for possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply, a 42-month sentence in 2021 for possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to supply, and an 18-month sentence in 2022 for possession of cannabis with intent to supply. He also received 10 months in July 2023 for assaulting an emergency worker and possession of a prohibited item in prison.
Defence Arguments
Ms. Griffin argued that Beveridge had stayed out of trouble for a decent period until his Universal Credit was stopped through no fault of his own. She noted his drug use began at age 13 and that he now recognizes it is time to stop, motivated by a desire to maintain contact with his children. She highlighted that he has been offered training and a job by his aunt's partner and wants to care for his grandmother. "He asks this court to, perhaps unusually, draw back from immediate custody," she said.
Judge's Sentencing Remarks
Recorder Richard Pratt KC sentenced Beveridge to 20 months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 100 hours of unpaid work, a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 10 days, and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement. The judge stated: "It is abundantly clear to me that this was a venture which you undertook to make money. I do not for one minute accept, and you no longer put forward, the explanation that this was for your own personal use. You have a proven record in the supply of drugs, including the supply, on one occasion, of class A drugs." He added: "This is the fourth occasion that you have appeared before the court for the supply of drugs. You are being given a chance today. I strongly suspect that, if you do not take it and change your lifestyle, it will probably be the last chance you get, so take it."
