A DISABLED man grew cannabis plants for medicinal purposes and owned pepper spray to stop his dog urinating on the carpet, a court heard.

Police found ten cannabis plants, pepper spray and a stun gun during a search of Carl Vincent Harrison’s home in Farrer Street, Darlington, on Friday, November 14.

At Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court last month, the 54-year-old pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid or gas or electrical incapacitation without the authority of the Secretary of State.

He also admitted possessing a class B drug.

The case was adjourned for probation reports and today (Wednesday, March 11) Harrison returned for sentencing.

John Garside, prosecuting, said Harrison told police in interview that the cannabis was for medicinal purposes and he said he had mistaken the stun gun for an alarm.

“The pepper spray he believed to be chilli powder,” said Mr Garside. “He bought it to stop his dog urinating on the carpet.”

Mike Clarke, mitigating, said: “He is a 54-year-old man who obviously has health difficulties and finds cannabis helps with his medical problems.”

Harrison received total of six months in custody for the offences but magistrates suspended the sentence for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £80 victim surcharge.