A DUMBARTON man has been jailed after he was found growing four cannabis plants at his home.

William Monaghan told police the drug was for medicinal purposes.

And though that plea was backed up by his lawyer at a court hearing last week, it didn’t stop a sheriff locking the 39-year-old up for five months.

Monaghan, of Ashton View, Westcliff, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Friday for sentencing after pleading guilty to a charge of producing a controlled drug at his home between September 15 and October 30 last year.

Following his guilty plea, a background social work report was sought on Monaghan prior to sentence being passed.

Fiscal depute Sarah Healing told the court: “At 12.50pm on the date libelled, police attended at the locus with a warrant obtained under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“Entry to the property was forced, and no persons were found within.

“A search was undertaken, and during the course of that search four cannabis plants were discovered growing within the property.

“The value of the plants was estimated at between £200 and £400 each, giving a maximum potential value of £2,400.

“At the conclusion of the search, police secured the property and left a note for the householder explaining how he could gain entry.

“The accused later made contact with police and on October 30 he was interviewed.

“During the interview he made full admissions to growing cannabis, indicating it was for medicinal purposes.”

Monaghan’s solicitor told the court her client had long-standing issues with addiction and substance misuse.

He added: “[My client] indicates he was seeking to use the plants for health reasons.

“His record of offending is completely underpinned by his addictions, and he realises he has to address those.

“His long term health has deteriorated as a result of his alcohol and drug misuse.”

The lawyer added: “His lifestyle now is far less chaotic than it was during his darker years.

“Despite his record, he has begun to make very significant progress in his life.”

However, the plea for leniency fell on deaf ears as Sheriff Simon Pender jailed Monaghan for five months.

The sheriff said: “You have an extremely bad record that includes a significant offence of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.”