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Police discovered a Llanelli man was growing cannabis plants after carrying out a search warrant at his home.

Matthew James Cooper’s Maengwynne home was raided by officers on August 23, who found 1.05 grams of cannabis in his living room.

And in an upstairs bedroom, they found eight cannabis plants in a growing tent, which they seized along with lighting equipment used to grow the plants.

The 36-year-old was interviewed by police and he admitted he had fed and watered the plants and planned to smoke them himself.

He said he grew his own because “he did not want to deal with anyone in the street”.

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He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the control of cannabis and another count of possessing the class B drug.

Mitigating, Laura Sherwood, said: “He did not try to prevaricate in any way and he accepted he was using it for his own use. He followed that up with a guilty plea in court.

“This is a gentleman who has a number of issues and has not been in trouble for a significant period of time. He has not had a conviction for a similar matter since 2002.

“From his past, it is clear there are several ongoing issues in terms of his mental health. He has severe depression and has been referred for ADHD.

“He has, since this matter, referred himself to DDAS. Since this offence took place he in August he realises he needs assistance.

“He has been back to his doctors and has been referred to a specialist.”

Cooper was given a community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement.

He has been fined £80, ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

An order was also made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.