The lock-up where Clifford Whitlock grew cannabis

by Paul Hooper

Failed businessman Clifford Whitlock turned to horticulture in an attempt to pay off his mounting debts.

But a judge heard what the 53-year-old Whitstable man decided to grow in his lock-up garage was actually cannabis.

Now Whitlock - who lost his marriage because of his illegal venture - has been jailed for two years after admitting running a cannabis factory.

Donna East, prosecuting, told Canterbury Crown court police raided the premises at the Chislet Business Park, in Hersden, in January.

Inside they found 156 plants growing – which could have netted Whitlock up to £173,000 with an annual yield of 17k of skunk cannabis.

While officers were searching the premises, Whitlock, of Miller’s Court, Borstal Hill, rang a neighbouring garage and asked to speak to the police, she said.

"He told officers it was all his work and that he was solely responsible. He said he planned to sell the drugs to get cash to start a new legitimate business."

Danny Moore, defending, told the court: "He has worked honestly throughout his entire life and had been running a successful gas company, which gave him a fairly good lifestyle."

But the company ran into difficulties which resulted in him losing "a large number" of lucrative contracts.

"The business then went downhill and he lost it and he still has substantial debts," added Mr Moore.

Whitlock used the last of his cash to buy the equipment to grow cannabis in the hope he could make £10,000, he said.

"It was a ridiculous decision and one in which he plainly regrets. He has now lost any chance of starting any business in the gas industry again.

"His wife left as a result of these offences," he added.

Judge Heather Norton told Whitlock: "Police found inside your lock-up what was effectively a cannabis factory.

"Your intention in growing these plants was to make money and you entered into it with your eyes wide open."