A CLYDEBANK man who was producing cannabis for self-medication at home has been spared a prison sentence.

Martin Gilroy, of Graham Avenue, was found to be in possession of the drug at his former home in Helensburgh’s Old Luss Road last year.

Following a police search of the address on April 20, 2018, a number of seeds, plants, lights, extractor vents and capsules of the drug were also discovered by officers.

Gilroy appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last Friday, October 25, having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to two charges – one of production of a controlled drug, namely cannabis, and another of possession of a controlled drug, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis.

Gilroy must carry out 213 hours’ unpaid work as an alternative to being jailed.

The court heard that Gilroy, 26, was at home with his partner and their eight-month-old son when police raided the property last April.

After gaining entry via an unlocked door, a search of the house resulted in the discovery of a bag of 55 clear capsules, a vial containing seeds, plant pots, blue lights and three grow tents.

The plants were said to be at various stages of growth, while extractor vents were also found within the property.

After being arrested and questioned by police, Gilroy admitted the items belonged to him and had nothing to do with his partner.

He told officers: “It’s my cultivation, all mine. I was using the cupboard to make capsules that I medicate with.”

The court heard that the capsules were unlikely to be sold on and were for personal consumption only.

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Defence solicitor Philip Lafferty said: “From my dealings with him [Gilroy] he has always understood that this is a serious matter, but there were mitigating factors.

“Mr Gilroy suffered from back pain since a road traffic accident and prescribed medication did not agree with him.

“This was an effort to relieve his pain in an unconventional but unsuccessful way.”

Sheriff William Gallacher said: “I think you have pushed the boundaries of the court almost to the brink. In all of these circumstances I just find a way of avoiding sending you to custody.”