Teenage dad from Marks Gate admits to buying cannabis in bulk to save money

Dozens of bags of cannabis found by police belonged to a drug-addicted teenage dad who told officers he bought the illegal substance in bulk because it was cheaper, a court heard.

Father-of-one Mitchell Edhouse pleaded guilty to possessing the £300 haul of herbal cannabis — sealed in 37 small bags and stashed in a saucepan — which was found by police when they searched a home in Lake Road, Marks Gate, on Thursday, June 13.

Appearing at Barkingside Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Friday, June 28) the 19-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing the drug but said it was for personal use.

He said he would smoke through the whole lot in a matter of two weeks, having two to three bags a day, before buying more.

Prosecutor Helen Taylor told how Edhouse, of Lake Road, Marks Gate, admitted to officers that he had bought 30 bags and received the extra 10 bags free as part of bulk buy deal.

District Judge Mary Connelly raised concerns over the extent of Edhouse’s addiction, telling him he had an “unhealthy relationship with cannabis”.

She asked for the probation service to prepare a report before sentencing, pushing the next hearing to July 18 at the court.

Edhouse was released on unconditional bail.