An offshore worker who used the internet to learn how to grow cannabis was caught with up to £5,000 worth of the illegal plants in his spare bedroom.
Ross Walton set up two growing tents in his home near Alford, after deciding to self-medicate for various ailments by growing his own cannabis plants.
The first-time offender was prescribed antidepressants at the time because he had become depressed during Covid lockdowns.
But he was caught when police received a tip-off about his cultivation at the Littlewood Park property, Aberdeen Sheriff Court was told.
Officers searched the 32-year-old’s home on May 13 2021, reacting to intelligence that was gathered the previous day.
‘Six mature cannabis plants’
Fiscal depute Ryan Diamond said: “At this time, there were no persons within, but within the back upstairs bedroom was one large growing tent, which contained six mature cannabis plants.
“Also within the room, was a small growing tent containing 13 juvenile plants and seven saplings,” he added.
The drugs had a potential street value of between £1,200 and £4,860.
Walton was traced more than one week later and “spoke freely” with police during his interview.
He accepted full responsibility for the cultivation and said he was only growing cannabis for personal use.
The accused admitted one charge of producing a controlled Class B drug, between March 1 2021 and May 13 2021.
‘Onerous’ offshore job
Defence agent Gregor Kelly said that his client, who had an “onerous” job offshore, had become depressed and isolated during lockdown and was prescribed antidepressants at that time.
“He had medical ailments,” Mr Kelly added. “He had researched on the internet and set up this growing operation.
“There were six plants that reached maturity. It was the first time he had done it.”
Mr Kelly pointed out that Walton was a first-time offender.
Sheriff Morag McLaughlin called for background reports and a restriction of liberty order to be carried out.
She deferred the sentencing of Walton, of Direlton Drive in Glasgow, until April.
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