A north-east man who grew cannabis to save money and battle mental health issues has been ordered to carry out unpaid work.
Police discovered the 13 plants at Dean Kerr’s home on Clinton Drive in Sandhaven on January 15.
The potential value of the cultivation found in the picturesque fishing village was up to £10,500, but ended up costing the 22-year-old apprentice his job.
Kerr appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday and pled guilty to producing a controlled substance.
Fiscal depute Ruaridh McAlister told the court that police barged into the property after there was no answer.
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He said: “When they arrived, it was apparent there were people inside, but no one was answering the door.
“Officers forced their way into the property and in one of the bedrooms they found 13 plants on display.
“The accused then returned to the house after a driving lesson.
“He told officers he was growing it to save money and assist with mental health issues.
“The combined value of the plants was estimated at between £2,600 and £10,500.”
Defence agent John Adam stated the plants had been cropped and dropped and were dead when discovered by police.
He said his client had relied on cannabis at the time of the incident and had even lost his job following the discovery.
Mr Adam said: “The offence is of a very serious nature.
“Mr Kerr had a significant dependence on cannabis, but he has now seen the light and is receiving the right support.
“He lost his job as an apprentice because of this and is now at college.”
Sheriff Robert Macdonald told Kerr it was positive that he was now seeking help with his problems.
He said: “It is not trivial matter, but it is good to hear you are moving forward.”
Sheriff Macdonald ordered Kerr to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work and placed him under the supervision of social workers for a year.
