Plants with a potential yield of £4,000 were found in a Pembroke man’s attic.

Michael Hodgson, of Southdown Close, pleaded guilty to Class B drug possession and producing cannabis plants when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, February 5.

Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the court police discovered six grams of cannabis resin and five cannabis plants when they executed a search warrant at Hodgson’s home on January 6.

Two of the plants had grown to three-foot high in Hodgson’s attic and the other three had reached four foot.

Officers seized a homemade tent structure and hydroponic growing equipment from the property.

The police estimated that if the plants grew to maturity they could have produced cannabis with an estimated street value of £2,800 to £4,000.

Mr Pritchard-Jones said: “He fully admitted growing the plants. He denied he would be selling it to anyone else.”

Hodgson, 46, told officers he grew the Class B drug because it was cheaper than buying it and there was less chance of being caught.

Mike Kelleher, defending, said the estimated street value only applied if the intention was to sell the drugs.

“These were not for sale.”

Mr Kelleher said Hodgson suffered from chronic pain following a car crash and PTSD after being assaulted, and was concerned about becoming addicted to medication prescribed by his doctor, and its side-effects.

“He makes cannabis into tablets for himself, which he takes.

“He keeps himself to himself and does not want to associate with drug-dealers.”

Magistrates fined Hodgson £200 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.

A destruction order was made for the drugs and paraphernalia.