A MAN found to be growing 33 cannabis plants at his home address claimed he was only doing so as he was put under pressure by drug dealers.

The plants, 27 nearing maturity, were recovered by police visiting the premises in Dunelm Way, Consett, in October.

Defendant Christopher Conlin admitted producing cannabis at a magistrates’ court hearing, last month.

The case was committed to be sentenced at Durham Crown Court, where 29-year-old Conlin appeared on Friday.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said the defendant told police, following his arrest, that, as a drug user, he was coerced into growing the plants.

The court heard he has two previous convictions for drug possession, but none for production.

Judge Christopher Prince said if the basis of his plea was accepted it would have a bearing on the eventual sentence.

He adjourned the hearing so the police officer overseeing the case can be consulted about the basis of the admission by Conlin, who was bailed to return to the court to discover the outcome, next Friday (April 15).