A MAN was caught with cannabis plants after resorting to growing his own during lockdown.

Shane Fewings admitted growing the class B drug when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on January 13.

Prosecutor Shafquat Reaz said police had gone to Fewings' home in Ross-on-Wye in relation to other matters on August 10.

But while they were there, officers found a cannabis growing set-up, with two mature plants growing in a tent with controlled lighting.

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Chris Read, for Fewings, said the 55-year-old had only been producing cannabis on a small scale.

"He only had two plants and a very rudimentary growing system," Mr Read said.

"He has been a regular user for many years and resorted to these plants during lockdown. He has now substantially changed his life and has left the area and moved back to where his family live.

"Since moving to Southsea, he has ceased his cannabis use, remains in contact with Addaction, and is being counselled by telephone, which he says has been very useful."

Fewings, of Waverley Road, Southsea, was fined £150 and must pay costs of £185 and a £34 victim surcharge. The cannabis plants were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.