A man has been sent to prison after being caught growing cannabis in an Aberdeen flat.
Barry Paterson of Hutcheon Court, was jailed for eight months after pleading guilty to producing a controlled drug at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday.
Fiscal depute Alan Townsend said officers had attended the address to look for a missing person at 5.40am on June 11.
He added: “On attending, officers were met by the accused’s partner who engaged with officers and refused entry, but as the door was open and Mr Paterson emerged, there was a strong smell of cannabis.
“The missing person was not there. Officers entered the bedroom and there was tent and primarily two plants.
“Those plants appeared to be at an advanced stage of growth.”
The 37-year-old had a humidifier, lighting equipment and ventilation equipment, among other things.
Defence agent Dylan Middleton said his client regretted his actions and had taken steps to get help for himself in relation to drug addiction.
He added: “He has attended narcotics anonymous and has overcome issues like this in the past.”
Sheriff Graham Buchanan described the offence as “serious”.
He said: “Although there were only two plants, the potential street value of the drugs is quite significant.
“The operation appears to be quite sophisticated given that you had obtained quite a lot of equipment.”
Paterson’s sentence was reduced by one month on account of his guilty plea.