AN Evesham man who has used cannabis medicinally for the past 30 years was caught growing plants with an estimated street value of nearly £2,500 at his home.

Police attended David Haywood’s address in Littleworth Walk on January 5 following reports of a domestic incident.

Prosecutor Kerry Lovegrove said during a search of the property officers found an enclosed, sheeted-off area and there was a strong smell of cannabis. Police found eight green herbal plants of varying sizes from six inches to two feet.

Haywood, aged 46, pleaded guilty to producing a controlled drug of class B when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Miss Lovegrove said the plants had an estimated yield of 240g and a street value of £2,400 if sold individually.

Haywood told police he was an alcoholic and was addicted to cannabis.

He said the cannabis was for his own use and not for resale.

Mark Sheward, defending, said: “He is 46 and has been a user of cannabis for a number of years. He doesn’t use it recreationally now, he uses it to get by. It calms him.

“The cost of buying it was becoming difficult to cope with so he decided to grow his own.”

Haywood, who is already subject to a three-month curfew between 7pm and 7am, had it extended by six weeks and was ordered to pay £85 costs.

Magistrates also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the plants.