AN ADPAR cannabis grower told magistrates he was getting too old to have the police knocking on his door.

Phillip James Clarke, 60, of Derwen Garden, admitted producing the Class B drug when he appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates.

The court heard that police could smell cannabis coming from Clarke's address while patrolling the area on July 15.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, said: "Clarke answered the door and the smell was overwhelming.

"He said he had been growing some cannabis in his kitchen."

Clarke told officers: "I don't know why I keep doing it, it stinks."

Bags of cannabis, hydroponic growing equipment and the remains of plants were found during a search of the property, which had a small foil-covered room at the rear.

Six smaller plants were found in the kitchen, and officers found 283g of the drug at the property.

Clarke claimed that the cannabis had been grown for his own use, and that he smoked it regularly.

He told officers he grew it because it was cheaper than buying it.

Alan Lewis, defending, said Clarke had suffered from ill health for some time and used cannabis to ease his pain.

He said: "He does not want to buy it on street corners from dodgy dealers.

"Since the visit from the police he has not taken any cannabis and has been to his GP to find a legal solution.

"He says he is getting too old to have knocks on the door from the police."

Magistrates fined Clarke £120 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.

Magistrates told him: "You really need to stop doing this, as you have intimated, it's not good at your age.

"You need to settle down and take legal drugs for your pain, not illegal ones."