A man who faces jail for growing cannabis has been warned to seek legal advice.

On Thursday (31 July) fiscal depute Ann Orr told Alloa Sheriff Court that the police received intelligence claiming Thomas Lindores (49) was producing the Class B controlled drug at his home address. Officers obtained a warrant and carried out a search of his property on 7 March 2014.

Lindores admitted having five plants in his own “personal hut” and cannabis leaves in his freezer.

Five bags of leaves were recovered from the freezer. Scales and a grinder were also discovered in the house.

Lindores, of Lochies Road in Clackmannan, then led officers to three sheds in the back garden.

The first shed, believed to be a growing room, was found to have cannabis cultivation and equipment. The second shed stored fishing gear.

The third shed, believed to be a drying room for the drug, was empty aside from an electric heater.

When asked about the cannabis cultivation, Lindores admitted he was “guilty” but claimed it was for personal use for a medical problem and the heater was to keep his fishing kit dry.

Lindores, who represented himself in court, pleaded guilty to having cannabis in his possession and producing the drug.

Sheriff David Mackie advised Lindores that he ought to “think seriously about getting help from a solicitor” as the charges merited a custodial sentence.

Sheriff Mackie adjourned matters until 14 August to give Lindores time to seek legal advice and to obtain a copy of the criminal justice social work report.