A 58-YEAR-OLD man caught growing cannabis in his garden shed has been sent for trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Peter Stabler, of The Porch, Barton, North Yorkshire, yesterday admitted producing 28 plants and possessing cannabis with intent to supply, but denied a separate charge of possessing the drug.

However, as the crop seized by police was valued at more than £2,000, magistrates sitting at Richmond decided it was too serious a charge to be dealt with at a summary hearing.

Sadler was told his case would be committed to the crown court, which has tougher sentencing powers.

Magistrates were told he led police to the cannabis plants after a raid on his house in July. He claimed he was growing them for a man from Glasgow called Andrew, who he had met in a pub and who promised him £400 for looking after them.

A date for the crown court hearing was not set and Sadler was given unconditional bail.