An out of work tree surgeon who cultivated 33 cannabis plants at his home admitted the offence when he appeared at Ceredigion Magistrates Court.

Crown prosecutor Gerald Neave said that when officers executed a search warrant at the home of 31-year-old Liam Michael Woodcraft he led them to a storeroom and said “There are a few cannabis plants in there.”

The plants were growing in ten pots in a one metre square hydroponic tent with lights and other paraphernalia.

Defence solicitor Robin Reed said Woodcraft started growing the plants a fortnight before police raided his home and he did so to avoid going onto the streets to purchase the drug.

Woodcraft, of Sunnyhill, Alltyblacca, who had previous convictions, was fined £140 with £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

The bench made a forfeiture order in respect of the seized plants and equipment.