A MAN who was spotted carrying cannabis plants around Alloa has been given unpaid work.

Mark McLean, 28, of Kinnoull Road, Kilmarnock, previously admitted that on October 28, 2021 at Mercat Wynd, Alloa, he was concerned in the production of cannabis by Daryll McDougal.

McDougal, 30, of Brandshill Park, Sauchie, admitted he was producing cannabis at his then home in Mercat Wynd.

Depute fiscal Rachel Wallace said police officers on patrol had become suspicious of McLean when they spotted him carrying him a cardboard box.

He was followed into a close and was acting very nervously.

He put the box down on the ground, the lid opened and cannabis plants could be seen inside.

McLean was arrested and a search of the premises revealed 26 large plants and a ventilation system in McDougal’s flat. The drugs had an estimated value of £11,200 to £12,500.

Both were told to return for Alloa Sheriff Court for sentencing but McDougal failed to turn up and a warrant was granted by Sheriff Neil Bowie.

McLean was present in the dock and was sentenced to a community payback order with 300 hours of unpaid work.