Lawyer in the news

Who? Michael Reed, a 56-year-old sole practitioner at MJ Reed in Carmarthen, specialising in crime and welfare benefits.

Why is he in the news? Represented Brad Stephens, who suffers from a spinal condition and last week became the first person to be cleared by magistrates of cannabis possession on the grounds of medical necessity.

Mr Stephens, who admitted that he smoked cannabis to ease the pain of his cervical spondylosis, was found not guilty after the court accepted the drug did more than just ease the symptoms, but also reduced his morphine dependency.

Background: LLB at Bristol University 1965-68 followed by one year at the Inns of Court in London, before changing paths and taking law finals at Guildford College of Law.

Articled with London firm Darlington & Parkinson, qualifying in 1971.

Worked for a year at advice organisation Release and then two years at Paddington Law Centre, before moving to a community in west Wales to live organically in 1975.

Set up his own practice in 1978 and left the community to live in Carmarthen, where he has practised ever since.

Route to the case: 'There are a lot of cannabis-related crimes in west Wales as many people come here to grow it.

When I started out it used to account for 50% of my criminal work and I have become known as a specialist in the area.

Mr Stephens approached me on this basis.'

Thoughts on the case: 'By using cannabis, Mr Stephens' tolerance to potentially fatal morphine was reduced.

Thus smoking it, in effect, saved his life.

It is absurd that currently doctors can supply morphine to sick people, but not cannabis, and I'm sure most people on the street would agree.

I am delighted at the result of the case as it sends out a message to the prosecuting authorities that in cannabis cases of genuine medical use, they should exercise discretion in passing judgment.'

Dealing with the media: 'I initially contacted a local journalist I know to get an article in his paper as I feel this is an issue that needs publicity.

The media has been very positive and co-operative with Mr Stephens and myself as this is a very topical subject.'

Andrew Towler