A SHILDON man who was caught growing 31 cannabis plants appeared before magistrates today (Friday, March 28).

Police officers seized the immature plants from Damen Lee Thomson’s home, at Kilburn Street, on November 21 last year.

John Garside, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, said: “Police have gone to the defendant’s house and discovered a growing operation, including a tent, fans, lighting and heating.

“His mobile phone was also seized and relevant texts of a drug dealing nature were downloaded. In his second police interview he accepted supplying the drugs to friends and people he knows.”

Thomson, 29, pleaded guilty to producing a class B drug and possessing a class B drug with intent to supply.

Alan Meehan, mitigating, stressed the fact the plants were immature and not yet capable of producing the drug.

He also asked Thomson be given credit for his early guilty plea.

Magistrates adjourned the case until Tuesday, April 22, for probation reports.