A DUNFERMLINE man reported missing was instead found with a “complex” cannabis cultivation system worth up to £2,640 in his home.

Police investigating the whereabouts of Graham David Sadler, 38, discovered 12 cannabis plants in a bedroom after they had been given the house keys by his dad.

Sadler, of 64 Fernie Place, admitted that on December 5 last year at his address, he produced cannabis, a controlled Class B drug. He committed the offence while on bail.

Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday that officers had attended Sadler's address following a missing person's report.

His own father had suspected there was a cannabis cultivation and officers found 12 cannabis plants in individual pots when they gained access.

Fiscal depute Fiona Nairn said: “There was a complex hydrophonic, hydration and lighting system and the windows were boarded up.

“The estimated value, given the size, condition and set-up, was that each plant would have yielded half to one ounce of cannabis.”

The total estimated value of the plants was between £1,320 and £2,640.

Solicitor Alexander Flett said Sadler had been “candid” about committing the offence for money.

He explained: “His personal circumstances have been fairly up and down for a period of time.

“He had been reported missing by his family. He had been told before Christmas that he had a lung condition that might be terminal but that diagnosis was wrong.

“He was dealing with very bad news and had turned to this as a way of earning money as his circumstances were very poor.”

Sheriff Craig McSherry imposed a restriction of liberty order of six months.