Milkman who supplied cannabis to the elderly spared jail

London, February 7 (ANI): A milkman, who delivered cannabis to fellow pensioners to help ease their "aches and pains", was spared jail despite him admitting to having supplied pot to 17 persons, including a 92-year-old, for at least six months.

Burnley Crown Court let Robert Holding, 72, go scot-free because his wife has Alzheimer's disease.

The court was told that Holding made little profit from his drug-dealing, and believed that he was providing a "public service".

Holding was arrested when he returned home from his round after a four-week investigation.

Prosecutor Sarah Statham revealed that police officers found 15 wraps of cannabis stashed in egg crates upon searching Holding's Ford Transit van.

Holden, the father of six who has been married for 53 years and has 28 grandchildren, revealed that elderly customers would leave him notes on their doorstep asking for the drug to be left with their daily pint.

According to the Daily Express, revealing as to what the notes read, Holding said: "Can I have an ounce this week?" or "Can I have an eighth?"

The prosecutor said that Holding's charges were relatively cheap.

Philip Holden, defending, described the case as "bizarre".

He said: "Word got out that he was the man who could supply cannabis to those with aches and pains and he thought he was doing a public service."

Holding was worried that he would not be able to see his wife if jailed, and would even get tearful at the mention of it.

The judge spared him prison as an act of mercy because it would have a "devastating effect on two people's lives".

While leaving court, Holding said that he was "relieved".

"I am more concerned about being able to see my wife. I didn't think I was doing anything wrong and I still don't," he said. (ANI)