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Cannabiswas used to beat pain, court told


A MAIDSTONE man found to have nearly half a kilo of cannabis at home claimed the drugs were given to himby someone hemet at a bus stop, a court heard. Andrew Pollard (55), of White


Horse Lane, Otham, claimed the 454.5g of resinwas for self-medicat- ing pain sustained in an accident many years before. Debbie Jones, prosecuting, told


magistrates on October 26 that Pol- lard “told police he uses it formed- ical purposes” and “said it was given to himat a bus stop”. The defendant pleaded guilty to a


single charge of a classBdrugunder theMisuse ofDrugsAct 1971. Defending, Peter Fernando said


Pollard had admitted the matter at the police station. At the age of 19, said Mr Fer-


nando, Pollard had a very serious accidentwhich left him“withmetal inmuch of his right hand side” after sustainingmany broken bones. Despite this, he had carried on working until several years ago,


when he bumped his foot on a con- crete block, resulting in an injury which became ulcerated. Since then, he had found some re-


lief from the pain by taking cannabis, the courtwas told.


After the death of his mother in


2014, his lifewent into a downward spiral and he stoppedworking. Mr Fernando told the bench: “In


2014, he went downhill after his mother’s death, losing everything and he ended up on the streets as a homeless person. He has not worked since.” Since then, Pollard had moved


into accommodation in Otham, where he has been taking cannabis resin for the ulcer pain. Pollard ap- peared in court using a crutch. The court heard that the drugs


were of an inferior quality and that is why they were given away so readily at the bus stop. Mr Fernando said: “My clientwill


be able to do unpaid work if the court is sominded.” The bench fined Pollard £80,


whichwas reduced from£120,with costs of £85 and a £30 victim sur- charge. Police ordered the forfeiture and


destruction of the cannabis. The court granted the order.


News Burger blow


FAST food chain Gourmet Burger Kitchen, which has a branch in Lockmeadow, is to close one in five of its restaurants. The company is seeking a com-


pany voluntary arrangement after admitting it is struggling in “a chal- lenging UK casual dining environ- ment” andsaidits rents are toohigh. In order to secure its longer-term


future, the chainwill look to shut 17 of its 85 branches, putting itsMaid- stone operation, which opened in May last year, at risk. DerrianNadauld, the firm’sman-


aging director, said: “We are having to take tough but necessary actions to reduce our fixed-cost base andre- store long-termprofitability.”


Meters faulty


ALL three parkingmeterswere out of action over theOctober half-term at the CobtreeManor Park inMaid- stone, leading to complaints. Motoristswere unable to use cash


with only payments via an app being accepted, leading to concerns about older people being unable to use the system. Maidstone Borough Council,


which runs the parking, apologised for the inconvenience and promised themachinewould be fixed.


Business Focus A personal service at a time of loss


Michael Lawrence, and his son Robert along with Kim and Angela, are the team behind a family-owned funeral service that has been helping families across the Maidstone area for 40 years.


With offices in Bearsted and Barming, Family Funeral Service is a third generation business, experienced in caring for your needs with commitment and understanding.


At such a stressful time, they know it’s important to sit and talk to you about every detail and to assist you in making the often


Ashford Road, Bearsted, PW


4 Cavendish W y, Maidstone ME15 8


a 01622 260200


difficult decisions about how best to remember a loved one and to meet their personal wishes. With so many years’ experience, Family


Funeral Service has learned how to respond to the specific and different needs of every individual facing one of the toughest times in their life. This personalised approach includes the option of home visits and access to a friendly voice at the end of the phone around the clock, as well as personal support to clients through the bereavement process.


Michael Lawrence said: "The loss of a loved


one is never easy to cope with, and the added stress of making arrangements for the service can often bring further emotional upset. With our experience of making funeral arrangements we have learned how to help families have and be part of a unique and meaningful service that


Find us at: Marlborough Parade, 6 Beverley Road, Barming Maidstone ME16 9JN


01622 260210 Maidstone December 2018 23


celebrates life. "Our approach is simple. We sit with you in our


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Funeral Planner Of The Year 2018 South East London Region Winner


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