A MAN who was caught with more then £10,000 worth of cannabis plants has been given a community payback order at Alloa Sheriff Court.

William Giannandrea, 53, received the sentence when he appeared in the dock on Thursday, September 5.

Police found 33 cannabis plants within his Tullibody home whilst executing a search warrant on July 17 this year.

In total, there were 22 mature plants and a further 11 in their infancy, as well as equipment used to keep a cultivation.

The value of the haul was estimated to be £10,450.

Giannandrea pleaded guilty to charges of producing and being involved in the supply of a class B drug during an earlier court appearance.

His solicitor, Larissa Milligan, previously explained that he produced the drugs to "self-medicate" certain medical conditions, and said: "He sold it to pay for electricity which, unsurprisingly, is exceptionally high."

Sentencing had been deferred until this month to allow background reports to be prepared.

And in court on Thursday, Ms Milligan said: "Following his last appearance he has self-referred to Signpost [addiction services].

"He does continue to use cannabis, and does have a number of health difficulties, and it's for pain medication.

"His plan is to wean himself off of drugs altogether."

She then asked for a community-based disposal to be imposed.

Referring to the background report, Sheriff David Mackie said: "This is a helpful report, which gives the court a much better insight into your circumstances, and I agree with its recommendations."

He then gave Giannandrea, of Broomieknowe, a CPO with a period of 12-month supervision and required him to attend substance misuse services.

Before Giannandrea left the dock, Sheriff Mackie also told him: "Don't feel embarrassed about this, you're not the only person who's experienced difficulties with drug use and pain medication."