A BONHILL man, who used his house as a cannabis factory, was snared by police, who seized plants worth £3,600.

Paul Walker, 34, of Braehead, was found producing cannabis, a class B drug, at his home on June 22, 2017. He pleaded guilty to the offence at Dumbarton Sheriff Court, the day before he was due to go to trial.

Prosecutor Sarah Healing told the court: “Police obtained a search warrant authorising them to search the property. They had to force entry that morning and when they went in they observed that a cannabis cultivation operation was going on. They found a total of 18 fully grown cannabis plants each worth £200, giving a street value of £3,600. They also found all the various implements associated with cultivation, including high powered lighting. They secured the house.

“Shortly after 8pm the same day, through his solicitor, Walker arrived at Clydebank police office and made himself available for interview. It was a no comment interview and he was cautioned and charged.”

Walker’s solicitor Bruce McCormack said: “On the eve of the trial which was set down for this, I considered the Crown report and the case was resolved without any witnesses being inconvenienced.

“He has been out of trouble for 14 years and has held down good employment. He is genuinely remorseful for his actions and accepts full responsibility. He has had a drug issue in the past which he has managed to resolve and has nothing else outstanding. He does not use drugs at all now.

“His position is that these plants and the cannabis they would yield, was for personal use.”

Sheriff John Hamilton told Walker: “This was a significant amount of cannabis. It was a well planned and well executed operation. I accept there is no evidence that it was for nothing other than personal use. Custody is an option, but I will impose the direct alternative of a community payback order.”

Walker was ordered to carry out 220 hours of unpaid work.