A MAN found himself in the Justice of the Peace Court in Alloa last week for growing cannabis in his home.

On his appearance, Robert Hood, 51, pleaded guilty to possession of the class B controlled substance and to its production.

The court heard a number of items were found at his address on Rose Street, in Alloa, on June 21, 2016, when a warrant was served.

On Wednesday, July 19, fiscal depute Susannah Hutchison said that six plants were discovered in the bedroom.

Containers holding a “green herbal substance” were also found in the same room and in the kitchen of the property – tests later confirmed this was cannabis.

Ms Hutchison highlighted that it weighed 2.77 ounces and was valued at around £800.

She also outlined Hood had accepted that he owned the items and that he had said cannabis helped him with back pain, depression and anxiety.

In defence, Claire McCarron said this was the first time since 2008 that her client had appeared before the court.

She said he was “fully co-operative with police” and that he was somebody who had used the drug for the last few years.

She added: “He has, since being found in possession of these plants, reduced his cannabis intake significantly and has made efforts to do that ... and take medication instead of illicit substances.”

In addition, she said advice sought suggested the value was around £600 and the amount discovered was in line with personal use.

The plants found, she said, were at an early stage of growth.
She said: “He has nothing outstanding at present, your honour.

“He is trying to make steps to reduce his cannabis intake.”

Justice Mandy Shand fined him £125 for each charge, £250 in total, down from £200 to take account of his plea.