A PENSIONER caught growing cannabis in his home has been given a tag.

James Kessler, 67, of Alexandra Street, Dunfermline, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court last Wednesday.

He had previously admitted producing the class B drug at his home on December 14, 2017.

An earlier court hearing last month heard that police found 15 cannabis plants worth £3,750 at the home of Kessler, who was undergoing treatment for bladder cancer.

At that time, defence solicitor Roshni Joshi said her client appeared as a first-time offender.

"He is allowed to have his views but he does accept that it is illegal, although he believes that it should be legalised and be used for medicine," Ms Joshi said.

"He accepts it is a crime.

"There are a number of health factors and he is presently going through treatment for bladder cancer.

"He simply believes that cannabis alleviates the pain."

Last Wednesday, Sheriff James Macdonald said the offence was at a level where the court must consider a "direct alternative" to custody.

"No disposal short of that would meet the severity of the offence," he said. "The court will in no way condone any form of cultivation, or being concerned in the cultivation, of any controlled substance."

He placed Kessler on a restriction of liberty order for four months.