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.
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