A PENSIONER who grew his own drugs in his Borders home has been fined £750 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Eion Melrose pleaded guilty to producing cannabis at his property at Hownam, near Morebattle, on April 28.

Depute fiscal Fiona Hamilton said that when police attended the address they found three mature plants, 12 seedling plants and four other plants which were not fully mature in a bedroom.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said his 71-year-old client had been smoking cannabis for 40 years and had decided to grow his own so he wouldn't need to pay for it.

He explained Melrose had strong views on the legalisation of cannabis saying it had helped him with arthritis and refraining from alcohol.

Mr Dow added that his client worries what would happen if he stops smoking cannabis.

But Sheriff Donald Ferguson said the UK Government also had strong views about people growing their own cannabis.

He added: "It's illegal and it's a serious matter."

The sheriff reduced the fine from £1200 to £750 due to the guilty plea.