A Newcastle Emlyn agoraphobic bought cannabis in bulk to avoid going out, a court has heard.

Stuart Mark Broniman, aged 44, of Abermora, Cwmsara, appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates on Wednesday.

He pleaded guilty to charges of possession of 202.2 grams of herbal cannabis, and the production of four cannabis plants.

The court heard that police officers executed a warrant at the property on June 6 and found cannabis with an estimated street value of £2,000, and four cannabis plants growing inside a poly tunnel.

Broniman told police the drugs were for his own personal use.

Ruth Meyrick, defending, said her client had cooperated fully with the police and had made a full and frank admission.

She said: “He bought in bulk because it’s cheaper. He suffers from agoraphobia and does not like to go out much, he likes to go out once and get it over and done with.”

She added that Broniman used cannabis to control his anxiety and agoraphobia, and to help with pain from an injury sustained in a motorcycle accident.

“He finds it very difficult to go out and talk to people. He must find it very hard to be here today.”

Magistrates fined Broniman £185 and ordered him to pay £85 costs plus a £20 victim surcharge.

A destruction order was made for the seized drugs.