A DUMBARTON man was caught growing thousands of pounds worth of cannabis in his home.

Andrew Hendry’s solicitor said the Ashton View resident wanted a “fresh start” after being caught with the cultivation almost two years ago.

The 44-year-old appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to production of a controlled drug.

Cops found six cannabis plants with a total value of £3,600 at Hendry’s then home in Clydebank, on April 5, 2019.

Procurator fiscal Rebecca Reid told the court that police were called to a property in Duncombe View, North Drumry, on an unrelated matter when there noticed a strong smell of the drug coming from the home.

Kenny McGowan, defending, told the hearing on January 11 that Hendry believed the plants’ growth was “relatively immature”.

Sheriff Gallacher replied: “He has shown a dramatic aptitude for the process of cultivating if he managed to produce six of the plants, but all of a sudden has become a garden expert.”

Hendry had his hand up during the hearing, prompting the sheriff to tell him: “You really need not to intervene all the time. If you want to sack Mr McGowan and represent yourself I would be delighted.”

Hendry said: “It is my reality and I have to explain it.”

Mr McGowan told the court: “There is a desire for a fresh start. He is very much disappointed in the offence. He has made significant progress since the offence.”

The sheriff placed Hendry on a community payback order with 18 months of social work supervision and a conduct requirement to undergo drug and alcohol treatment.