Gary McLean claimed his pastime had “got out of control” as he supplied family and friends.
Airdrie Sheriff Court(Image: Daily Record)
A Lanarkshire cannabis grower’s “hobby” landed him in trouble after police discovered dozens of plants in a loft. Gary McLean claimed his pastime had “got out of control” as he supplied family and friends.
McLean, 53, from Coatbridge, appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court this week. He admitted producing cannabis and being concerned in its supply at a flat in Parnell Street, Airdrie, in September 2024.
Flora McCamley, prosecuting, said police officers got a search warrant after receiving intelligence that cannabis was being grown there, reports Lanarkshire Live.
Officers spotted McLean driving and stopped him in Coatbridge. A search was carried out and although no drugs were found he told them: “I have a ‘grow’ in the loft.”
Ms McCamley told the court: “The loft was searched and there were 38 cannabis plants at different stages of growth in three tents. The accused said he had started cannabis cultivation as a hobby and it got out of control.
“He admitted providing cannabis to family and friends but denied producing it for any form of financial gain.
“Messages on two mobile phones indicated he was involved in the sale of small quantities of the drug.”
The plants seized had a maximum value of £7600.
Sheriff Paul Haran deferred sentence on McLean until February for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment.