The lock-up at Chislet Business Park used by Clifford Whitlock

by Paul Hooper

A failed businessman who made thousands by
growing cannabis in an attempt to pay off his mounting debts has
had to pay back just £217.57.

Clifford Whitlock, from Whitstable, turned his lock-up
garage into a drugs factory which netted him £57,700 in
profits.

But the 53-year-old – who lost his marriage because of his illegal venture and was jailed for two years after admitting the offence – claims he has assets of just a couple of hundred pounds in a bank account.

A judge at Canterbury Crown Court ordered him to hand over the
cash – or face two more weeks in jail.

Judge Simon James, pictured left, said:
"You must also understand that in the near future if you are found
to have more assets than £217, bear in mind there has been a
benefit figure far in excess of that and you run the risk of
further money being taken from you."

Donna East, prosecuting, had told an earlier hearing how in
January police raided the premises at the Chislet Business Park, in
Hersden.

Inside they found 156 plants and, 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 that it was all his work and that he was
solely responsible," she added. "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.

"His relationship with his wife who left as a result of these
offences."