A 60-YEAR-OLD Stroud man was told not to mix cannabis plants with his tomatoes when he appeared before magistrates.

David Fletcher, of Beeches Green, pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis plants and to possessing cannabis after police found the drugs at the home he shares with his wife and son.

Stroud magistrates' court heard on Friday how Fletcher had been growing the plants next to his tomatoes in his conservatory.

He was also said to have been in possession of approximately £300 worth of cannabis resin.

Helen Manley-Topp, defending, told the court that her client smoked cannabis every evening to help him sleep and to relieve his back pain and the symptoms of arthritis.

She explained that he had bought the drugs for £80 from a man in the St Paul's area of Bristol and had bought a large quantity so he did not have to travel there regularly.

Andy Young, prosecuting, said police found the drugs and the plants while they were executing a search warrant not involving Fletcher.

Mr Young added: "Mr Fletcher denied intending to supply the drugs saying that he wanted it all for himself."

However the court also heard how the cannabis plants found at his home were the male variety and as it is the female variety used to produce the drug, Fletcher intended to destroy the plants.

He was ordered to pay £300 in fines and an £85 contribution to costs. Chairman of the bench, Dr Anthony Rodesano (corr) ordered that the cannabis plants and the drugs be destroyed.

"This should be a lesson to you - don't mix up the cannabis with the tomatoes again - no more growing cannabis plants," he said.