A MAN has been slapped with a community payback order after being found with 10 cannabis plants in his loft.

Andrew Davidson, of Glenafton Drive in New Cumnock, admitted to producing the class B controlled drug at his address between March 15 and 16 of this year.

The 39-year-old appeared before Sheriff Mhari McTaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Depute Fiscal, Lorri Pigeon, explained: “At around 11:50am, the police had attended a property at a terraced house with a search warrant – the police where there on a separate matter.

“When they were about to leave the property, they heard a buzzing noise coming from the loft.

“They police went to inspect the noise and they could smell a strong smell of cannabis.

“Later that afternoon, the police returned with another search warrant and found 10 plants of cannabis and jars of herbal cannabis in the loft area.

“The accused was taken to the police station and said he was responsible. He explained that he had been doing it for a month or so.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Stephen Maxwell, said: “From day one, he admitted that he was responsible. He knows that my lady could impose a custodial sentence.

“This has caused a lot of difficulty in the family.”

Sheriff McTaggart addressed Davidson and said: “You are aware that this offence could carry a custodial sentence but today, I will step back from this and issue you a community payback order with 18 months supervision and you will perform 180 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.”