FIREFIGHTERS called to a chip pan fire in Clydebank instead discovered 11 cannabis plants when the woman who called them finally let them in.

The fire was extinguished by the time the fire service arrived in Montrose Street but they noticed Jaclyn Mclaren was acting in a "strange manner" and she denied them entry.

Police attended and she did eventually invite them into her property and stated there was someone in the bedroom.

That's when officers noted the "overwhelming smell" of cannabis and they found the cannabis cultivation.

After a search warrant was obtained, Mclaren was taken to Clydebank police office where she said in interview: "It's all mine." She gave no reason for having the plants.

Mclaren, 32, previously pleaded guilty to producing the controlled drug.

But at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week, a dispute arose between Sheriff Simon Pender and Malaren's defence solicitor, Phil Lafferty.

Sheriff Pender wanted to know the potential value of the cannabis the plants could produce.

But Mr Lafferty countered: "The accused is not charged or convicted in supply to others. It was on a scale entirely for her own use. She was going to consume the entire product."

After a pause in proceedings, the depute fiscal said there was no detailed report available on the potential value, but that a plant could be sold as a whole for £375.

Again, Mr Lafferty protested the questions from Sheriff Pender: "In no way am I trying to trivialise the offence. But we are in very dangerous territory when the court is looking to take into account a value that would never have been realised."

Sheriff Pender said: "I remain of the view that the quantity is not irrelevant to how the matter is dealt with."

He offered Mr Lafferty a hearing for a proof in mitigation, but this was rejected.

The pair continued over the relevance of the potential value of the plants as Sheriff Pender insisted it was relevant to sentencing.

Mr Lafferty said: "The report makes clear she has significant health problems, physical and mental, and she resorted to producing so she could use in relation to addiction.

"I urge your Lordship away from a restriction of liberty."

Mclaren, a first offender, was said to be unable to carry out unpaid work in the community because of her health. Sheriff Pender deferred sentence for medical proof of her limitations and what effect the cannabis would have had on her.

He said: "The production of cannabis is a serious matter. It's not simple possession. Some form of punishment would be required."

The case will next call on December 13.