WHEN police visited a flat in a multi-occupied house they smelled cannabis coming from an adjoining home – and this led to the appearance in crown court of the 52-year-old occupant.

Brian Law was growing 28 cannabis plants at a flat in Mostyn Road, Colwyn Bay, last July and the value ranged between £7,840 and £23,520. There was a tent and three heat lamps.

Defending at Caernarfon crown court on Friday , Richard Edwards said there had been family tragedies in his life and Law sought solace in cannabis and alcohol.

“He recognizes he has an issue and problem with substance misuse,” he added.

Law admitted producing cannabis, saying it was for his own use.

He was given a six months prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He must attend 16 days of rehabilitation, have a six months drug rehabilitation requirement with monthly testing, and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Judge Huw Rees told him others had experienced significant tragedies without the need to turn “to green leaves.”