POLICE raided a house in Cardross and seized a kilo of cannabis being grown by a grandfather, while his grandchildren were in the home.

Paul Randles, 47, was snared by drugs squad officers, acting on intelligence, growing cannabis with a street value of £4000, at Oaktree Cottage, Main Road, Cardross. He was growing the drugs between June 26, 2016 and June 26, 2017.

He also admitted cultivating cannabis at Rothesay Dock, near to the River Clyde in Clydebank, and elsewhere in Scotland.

Randles pleaded guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court this week to cannabis cultivation, but denied being concerned in the supply of cannabis during the same dates. His pleas were accepted by Crown prosecutor Kevin Doherty.

The court heard that Randles had previously appeared on petition in private at the town's sheriff court on July 26, 2017, made no plea, and was released on bail.

Mr Doherty explained: "The house where the drugs were discovered was in Cardross, a house where he had stayed for a year. Police acting on information that there were controlled drugs on the premises obtained a search warrant. It was executed at 6.45pm on June 26, 2017.

"They forced entry to the house. He was in the living room with his partner and young grandchildren, who were removed from the house.

"A systematic search was carried out and numerous cannabis plants were recovered of a herbal material. It was a significant quantity. All the usual equipment was also removed. Drugs were also found in a motor vehicle. He was detained and taken to Clydebank Police office for questioning.

“During interview he made several admissions and also told police he had been cultivating cannabis at the shores of the River Clyde. The purpose for his cultivation, he told police, was for personal use. It was difficult to establish a value, but the total weight came to one kilo, which would have a street value of £4000."

Defence lawyer Richard Podgie said: "He was using a particular strain of seed outdoors which didn't need the usual lighting and power.

“It was a particularly unsuccessful yield and was allowed to go dormant. The chances of an outdoor cannabis harvest in the Scottish climate was marginal.

"He was taken aback by the success of his own venture at home."

Sheriff William Gallacher told Randles: "This is a seriously large cultivation and is a very serious matter. I will keep all options open to me, but nI will need to obtain a criminal justice social work report before passing sentence."

Sentence was deferred on Randles, of Avenel Road, Knightswood, until May 31 and bail was continued.