A MAN from Old Kilpatrick was snared with £16,000 worth of cannabis plants when his home was raided by drugs squad officers.

Paul Graham, 50, of Islay Drive, pleaded guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week to producing and cultivating cannabis at his home on May 18, 2017. He also admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis to others.

Prosecutor Kevin Doherty told the court: “A neighbour spotted suspicious goings on at his house, then smelled cannabis and contacted the police. A search warrant was executed on May 18, 2017 at 9.40am and police made a forced entry.

“Mr Graham was in the house at the time and fully co-operated. He knew why they were there.

“A search was carried out and 120 cannabis plants were discovered in various stages of growth, although most of them were well developed and healthy.

“There was all the usual equipment associated with this sort of offence found in the house, including transformers. All items were seized.

“The value of the cannabis plants recovered was estimated at £16,000. He made no reply when cautioned and charged.”

Defence lawyer Eugene Boyle said: “He is clear, and it is his position, that the cannabis was for social supply to his friends.

“He is a self-employed man who does car body repairs. Following the break-up of his marriage, he suffered from chronic back pain and became a heavy cannabis user.

“It all began as an experiment by cultivating the plants and he became successful, but it was not for a commercial enterprise.

“He learned how to grow the plants from books and off the internet and became very successful.”

Sheriff William Gallacher described the cannabis plants seized as a “very, very, very large amount to consume”.

The sheriff asked Mr Doherty if the Crown knew whether the cannabis was for social supply or commercial dealing.

Mr Doherty replied: “I have nothing to contradict what Mr Boyle has said to the court. I simply don’t know.”

Sheriff Gallacher told Graham: “This is a quite grossly out of proportion amount for individual use. I am prepared to continue your bail at this stage, but your position is very precarious.

“You have no significant previous convictions, but these are serious charges. You should not assume you will retain your liberty at the end of this matter. Courts will not tolerate crimes of this nature.”

Graham’s plea of not guilty to a further charge, of bypassing the electricity meter at his home, was accepted by the Crown.

Graham denied by passing his Scottish Power electricity meted in his home, which was accepted by the Crown.

Sentence was deferred for reports until May 31 for to obtain a criminal justice social work report. Graham’s bail was continued.

A Crown motion for a “proceeds of crime” confiscation order was continued to the same date.