A LONDON man decided to start growing his own cannabis to save money on his illicit habit.

Daniel Andrew McKenzie-Saunders was caught growing the plants at his address in Swindon as police came to visit him on other matters.

But Swindon Magistrates’ Court was told last Monday (July 4) that he had intended to dispose of the plants knowing the police would visit him.

Prosecutor Tom Power told the court that 170 seedlings were found at his address.

But, he added: “The drugs expert witness noted that the suspect’s set-up at home was not suitable for growing any more than 16-20 plants.

“Whilst there were lots of seedlings, only 16-20 would have reached full maturity, which the defendant would have then sold on.”

Mr Power added it was a “domestic operation”.

Ignatius Etukudoh, for McKenzie-Saunders, argued that there were “some questions” as to the amount forfeited by police, and that his client hadn’t intended to supply the drugs.

“The intention was to destroy this plant the next day, but the police attended.”

District Judge Joanna Dickens said she didn’t accept this, and said: “That doesn’t make sense.”

“This was for personal use because he was a heavy user of weed,” Mr Etukudoh continued.

“He thought he would save money.

“It was a trial by error, so most of the plants died.”

Having admitted producing a Class B drug, the 26-year-old, of Crouch Hill in London, was fined £200, and told to pay costs of £85.

He must also pay a £32 victim surcharge.