Cannabis farm man given one last chance

A Paisley dog lover has been spared jail over a £ 3,000 cannabis cultivation that was discovered because he gave cops keys to check on his pet.

Darren Lorimer was arrested by police in October over assault claims in the town’s Ladyburn Street, where he lives.

Lorimer was worried about his dog, which was still in his flat, after being held in custody over the allegations.

He told officers about his pet and, when they went to check on the animal, they discovered the cannabis farm.

The details emerged when Lorimer previously appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court to be sentenced.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to producing cannabis while the assault charges were dropped.

Officers found 15 plants and hydroponic equipment in a cupboard in a bedroom and the cultivation worth £3,000.

Defence solicitor Paul Lynch said: “That is the potential yield.

“It was Mr Lorimer himself who grew it.

“He was arrested.

“He advised police there was a young dog still within the property and was concerned about being taken in to custody.

“He gave police officers the keys to his property and that’s how he comes to be before the court.”

He previously asked Sheriff James Spy to spare Lorimer jail, but the judge said he needed a medical report to check Lorimer was fit for unpaid work.

When Lorimer returned to the dock to learn his fate, Sheriff Spy spared him jail.

He said: “With some hesitation, I’m going to deal with this by way of a Community Payback Order.

“There will be a period of 15 months’ supervision, to deal with issues of substance misuse, and this order is being imposed as a direct alternative to custody.”

He was also told to carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work, in the next 12 months, told to return to the dock in November for a review of his progress on the order, and warned he could yet be caged if he fails to comply.

Sheriff Spy warned: “You’ll only get one shot at this.

“If you don’t keep your appointments, and don’t do the work, the order will be breached and you’ll receive a 12- month sentence.”