An Airdrie heroin addict who cultivated a cannabis farm in his home has avoided prison.
William Ritchie, 35, was caught with the illegal plants in his Pentland Court home during a police raid in February.
Drugs with a street value of more than £8000 were found in his living room.
At Airdrie Sheriff Court last week, the procurator fiscal said: “On February 8, police attended the locus and detected a smell of cannabis.
“A search warrant was granted which was done on the same day.
“They located 15 fully grown cannabis plants and 429g of herbal cannabis along with a thermometer, a fan, a timer, nutrients, a PH tester, and air filter and extractor fan.
“The estimated street value of the plants was £6000 and the herbal cannabis was worth around £2200.
“The accused was arrested and then cautioned and charged.”
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Ritchie’s solicitor, Mark Lutton, said: “It’s an alarming set of circumstances he’s found himself in.
“He recently became addicted to heroin and ran up debts. A significant amount of pressure was applied to him and he was given a choice, which he accepts responsibility for.
“He’s expressed remorse for the incident and is keen to get away from his addiction. He’s never really been in trouble with the court before and has no previous drugs charges.”
Sheriff Derek O’Carroll told Ritchie: “I’ll give you a direct alternative to custody. You’ll be on a community payback order including supervision for 12 months to help with your drug addiction.
“You’ll also be tagged to your own home for six months.
“This is reduced from eight because of your plea.”
