A BALLOCH man set up a cannabis farm at home, with the drugs being for his own personal use, a court was told.

John Curley 41, now of Carmona Drive, Alexandria, was snared by drugs squad officers growing cannabis plants within his former home in a flat at nearby Glen Avenue. The offence happened on March 24, 2017.

Lawyer Kenny McGowan told Dumbarton Sheriff Court that Curley was pleading guilty to the offence. Curley also admitted having previous convictions.

Fiscal depute Martina McGuigan said: “Officers obtained a search warrant for Curley’s home and they found four infant plants and six mature plants with a street value of £700.”

Mr McGowan added: “He has since moved home. He lives alone, having been in a relationship for 20 years. He has a good employment history and works as a chef in the Alexandria area. He has either worked in the catering or construction industry all of his life. He has no addiction to drugs. It has been accepted by the Crown that these drugs were being produced for his own personal consumption.”

Sheriff John Hamilton told Curley: “You know you shouldn’t do it. These plants were worth £700, so I will fine you £700, reduced from £1,000, which I otherwise would have fined you but for your early guilty plea.”

Curley was ordered to pay the fine at £50 per month.