A cannabis grower from Lanarkshire has been slammed by a sheriff for causing a fire risk in his neighbourhood.
Airdrie Sheriff Court heard that plug sockets for heating and lighting equipment had been "shortened and melted" by John Docherty.
Sheriff Derek O'Carroll told Docherty: "This cultivation was done in a dangerous way, putting your neighbours at risk."
Docherty, 37, admitted producing cannabis at his then home in Morar Crescent, Coatbridge, in March last year.
Police had been tipped off about the cultivation and were met by the accused who admitted he was growing cannabis in his loft.
Officers found 12 plants, worth £200 each, as well as equipment that included a fan and a thermometer.
Defence agent Eddie Kelly said Docherty had been suffering back pain and was on medication.
But he wanted to wean himself off the painkillers and "resorted to cultivating cannabis for his own use to help him".
Mr Kelly pointed out that while his client has a conviction for possessing ecstasy, there are no drug supply charges on his record.
Sheriff O'Carrolll noted that Docherty had told social workers he was spending £200 a week on cannabis.
The sheriff stated: "I don't accept your explanation for cultivating these plants for one second.
"A custodial sentence was at the forefront of my mind, but on balance I think there is an alternative."
Docherty, now of St James Way, Coatbridge, was electronically tagged for four months, meaning he can't go out between 7pm and 7am each day.
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