Hundreds of cancer patients appealed to a judge to show leniency towards a cannabis dealer because he gave drugs only to people in ill health.

       Andrew Baines received widespread support from patients and their families, including a BBC radio presenter, after he appeared in court for providing people with medicinal cannabis.

       The 46-year-old faced a lengthy prison sentence after he was caught in possession of a kilogram of cannabis and more than 30 plants at his home in Lincoln.

       He was arrested in April 2020 after Post Office staff grew suspicious of a package he had sent.

       Prosecutors initially charged him with the supply and production of a Class B drug, which carries a maximum 14-year prison term.

       However, the charge was later downgraded when it became clear that Baines sold cannabis oils to only cancer patients and people suffering from ill-health.

       Becky Hayes, a presenter on BBC Radio Sheffield, was among those who wrote to Deputy District Judge Geraldine Kelly after Baines helped her father during his final months with throat cancer.

       She said: “Andrew travelled a long way to come and see me and dad to talk us through everything. He never charged for his time or asked for anything in return. His knowledge is incredible. He is the most selfless man.”

       Baines pleaded guilty to cultivation or production of up to seven plants and was handed a six-month community order with no costs to pay.

       Giving her ruling, Judge Kelly said: “If the law was different, Mr Baines would have been applauded, not punished. I take the view that a community order is justified in this case, not because of you, but because of the message we must send.”

       Baines told The Times: “After waiting two years, the verdict was a big burden off my shoulders. It’s been a stressful period.

       “The law here is very antiquated. A lot of the opiate-based medication they give people in end-of-life care is pretty horrendous and patients are not really with it. But medical cannabis alleviates pain and patients still get quality time with their families.”

       ‘Paving the way for more lenient treatment’

       Grimsby Magistrates’ Court heard that Baines began providing cannabis for pain relief following a traffic accident which left him needing a wheelchair. He claimed he did not profit from the operation and only tried to cover his costs.

       In Nov 2018, the law changed to allow the prescription of unlicensed cannabis-based medicinal products in certain circumstances, but just three NHS prescriptions have been issued, according to reports.

       The issue has allegedly driven more than a million people to buy cannabis from the black market to treat their ailing health.

       Hannah Sampson, Baines’s solicitor, said that she hoped the case would pave the way for more lenient treatment to those who supply medical cannabis.

       “It’s a landmark case because it’s the first where you have a judge recognising the difference between people who are criminally involved in the supply of drugs for profit and someone trying to help people,” she said.