An arthritic Perth man who decided to self-medicate with illicit drugs was found frothing at the mouth in the midst of his cannabis farm.
Gordon Forbes filled his bedroom with lights, fans and even pitched a tent by his bedside as an impromptu greenhouse as he attempted to grow ten plants to maturity.
The sheriff court was told the 59-year-old first offender had researched how to grow the plants and create cannabis oil as a means of pain relief.
His misguided and illegal plan fell down around his ears, however, after he fell ill and failed to turn up for work.
Forbes’ concerned employers – who knew of his physical and health difficulties – called the police and officers were soon deployed to carry out a “welfare check”.
When they could not raise him, they forced entry to his home in Glover Street and he had to be taken to Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital.
Officers also stumbled upon a fledgling cannabis farm in the same room they discovered the ailing accused.
While Forbes received treatment in hospital, Police Scotland was obtaining a search warrant and officers discovered four plants in the tent and a further six in his bedroom wardrobe.
Depute Fiscal Michael Sweeney said experts assessed the potential yield from the plants as being worth between £1,800 and £5,400.
Forbes argued that they were worth little more than £200, claiming the smaller plants were failing.
The court heard he suffered from an arthritic condition and had been living with considerable pain, though he continued to work and was considered a valued employee.
He had been using cannabis oil as a means of lessening his pain but had found the costs too much, prompting him to turn to an unidentified friend for advice on growing his own cannabis plants.
The accused then purchased the required equipment, sourced some young plants and looked into how to create cannabis oil.
Forbes, who arrived at court leaning heavily on a walking stick, admitted being concerned in the production of cannabis at his home on July 11 this year.
Sheriff Lindsay Foulis told him: “The officers found ten plants, fans, lights and a pipe for ventilation that led into the loft.
“This was not simply done on a wing and a prayer. A lot of thought and research has gone into this.”
He placed Forbes on a community payback order requiring him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
