An arthritic man's medicinal cannabis farm was discovered by police as they searched his flat for a wanted man, a court heard.
Officers turned up at Kurt Miller's home on Grey Street, North Shields , to speak to a wanted man on May 1 this year.
But while they failed to find the fugitive, they noticed a "strong smell of cannabis" as soon as they stepped inside the flat.
North Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard that as they searched the rooms, officers discovered 20 cannabis plants in a black tent.
Now Miller has pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of a Class B drug as his solicitor said the plants were for "personal use for a painful ailment".
Prosecutor Clare Irving said the offence came to light when police went to an address to speak to a wanted male.
Miller, the flat's occupant, let officers into the flat and said they could search it.
Ms Irving said: "They could smell a strong smell of cannabis. They searched for the wanted male and the cannabis was found inside a black tent.
"The defendant was cautioned and arrested, and taken to the police station while officers continued the search.
"An officer overheard him say it was only for pain relief."
In his police interview, 55-year-old Miller said someone had already been growing in the house when he moved in.
He told officers there were some high powered lamps in the address already, and that he had only bought the tent.
Miller, who attended court on crutches, said he suffered from arthritis and pain, he was taking cannabis to assist him medically.
Gerry Bass, defending, said Miller was "not an old man but suffers from arthritic problems".
He told magistrates: "He was taking amphetamines and came off them, but still needed some kind of prop, and that prop was cannabis.
"He had moved into the flat three months beforehand and most of the gear was there already - he just made use of it.
"It was for personal use for a painful ailment."
Miller will be sentenced on November 15.
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