Man grew cannabis to 'use as currency when society collapses'

Gavin Smart, 53, said he had a distrust of the NHS, but denied calling himself a 'Doomsday prepper'

A convicted drug dealer who was found with cannabis plants growing in his house claimed he was going to use them as "currency" when "society collapses". He later went on to collide his van into another car before crashing into a tree while drunk behind the wheel.

The Newport home of Gavin Smart, 53, was raided on November 29 last year and police discovered 33 cannabis plants in five growing tents. The yield of the plants was estimated to be between 1.3kg and 1.7kg.

A sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court on Monday heard the defendant told police he was growing cannabis as "society would soon collapse", and he would use the cannabis as "currency" to sell for medical purposes. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.

He also said he had a "distrust of the NHS" but denied calling himself a "Doomsday prepper". In her sentencing remarks, Judge Celia Hughes said police were called to the scene of a collision in Malpas Road, Newport, on January 1.

A passenger of a car said a van had driven into the back of them, deliberately shunted their vehicle forwards and drove off.

The police later tracked down the van which had crashed into a tree and had become vertical.

The defendant was trapped inside and when released, he lied to officers and said his name was "Dwayne".

Smart, of Brynglas Avenue, later pleaded guilty to cannabis production, dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving with excess alcohol, driving without a licence and obstructing a police officer.

The court heard the defendant has eight previous convictions for offences such as possession with intent to supply cannabis, conspiracy to supply class A, B and C drugs and three convictions for driving with excess alcohol.

In mitigation, Sol Hartley said there were no "malicious intentions" when it came to his client's actions and his issues with alcohol caused him to "sleep drive or sleep walk".

The barrister said the defendant helps to look after his 19-year-old daughter who has autism, and he has recently suffered the death of his mother, father and business partner. It was also said he has a degree in mathematics.

Sentencing, Judge Hughes said: "You knew full well this was illegal and you were heavily involved in drug dealing in the past."

Smart was sentenced to a total of 24 months imprisonment.

The defendant was also disqualified from driving for five years.