A BUSINESSMAN has been fined £1,000 for growing cannabis in an office at his Wemyss Bay home.

Robert Mitchell, 40, was caught with the plants at the address in Ryan Road on 12 December.

The cultivation was estimated to be worth as much as £600 and brought Mitchell to the dock at Greenock Sheriff Court.

He admitted the offence and was fined by Sheriff Rajni Swanney.

Depute fiscal Pamela Brady told the court how the cannabis-growing operation had come to light.

She said: “The accused was detained by Revenue and Customs over alleged excise offences at 5pm on 12 December.

“At 11pm that same day, a number of police officers attended the locus while Mr Mitchell was at Greenock police office.

“A cannabis cultivation was discovered in a computer room at the locus.

“There were two mature plants found and their estimated value was between £200 and £600.” It is understood that Mitchell lived at the address with his parents at the time of the offence.

Defence solicitor Mark Chambers said that his client ran a business, but did not specify what it was.

The Tele understands Mr Mitchell has a car accessory company based in Inverclyde.

Lawyer Mr Chambers said: “He was detained by Customs and Excise.

“He was cleared of that and released without charge.

“As a result of that investigation a warrant was made to search the house.

“It amounted to a lamp, some compost and two plants.

“This has been a traumatic experience for his parents.

“He has learnt his lesson.” Sheriff Swanney gave Mitchell a reduced fine because of his early guilty plea.

She told him: “You have brought this upon yourself and upset your parents.”