A MAN has been caged for growing 10 cannabis plants worth between £200 to £600 each.

Derek McLean of Glen Afton Drive, New Cumnock admitted producing the class B drug at his home between February and May this year.

The 25-year-old appeared before Sheriff Carole Cunninghame at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Depute Fiscal Cath Whyte explained: “Mr McLean was fully cooperative with the police and said to them ‘you better come in’ [when they arrived at his house].

“There was a cultivation in the house of 10 plants. Each plant was worth £200 to £600.

McLean admitted it was his cultivation. There were a number of other items found, which were for his own use.

“McLean stays there with his family. The cultivation was in the front and rear bedrooms upstairs.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Ms Brunton said: “Mr McLean has taken responsibility for his actions and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

“He was fully cooperative at the time he was being searched and throughout the interview process. The cultivation was found in the upstairs bedrooms.

“There was no access to the room where the plants were being grown as there was a lock on the door.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Cunninghame, said: “This is a very serious matter and a high value of cannabis. The court notes you have previous convictions.

“Some of those are very serious.

The court considers that the value as high as this only merits a custodial sentence.”

McLean has been jailed for six months.