A man found in possession of cannabis at his home said he intended to sell what were the remnants of someone else's previous crop.

Police visited Carl Durkin's home in Shildon, in January last year, and found cannabis bush stored in various places, including a washing basket, a drawer, and a tin.

Durham Crown Court was told all were decanted into bags and a drugs expert estimated the total weight was 1,722g, about 1.75 kilos, worth about £5,710.

Sam Faulks, prosecuting, said although the 31-year-old defendant has 11 convictions for 19 offences, the only previous drugs matter was for possession of cannabis resin, in July 2023.

(Image: The Northern Echo) Mr Faulks said the defendant failed to attend court for a previous hearing in these proceedings, but it was known he has spent time in prison in Scotland in the recent past.

Durkin, 41, of Freville Street, Shildon, made a late admission to a charge of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug.

Shaun Dryden, for Durkin, said the reason for his failure to attend a previous hearing at the court may have been because he was in Scotland at the time.

Mr Dryden said the defendant's trial was originally listed in March, but he failed to attend and he was been in custody since a bench warrant was executed in April, almost six months.

Referring to the offence, M Dryden told the court: "Although he was in possession of a substantial amount of cannabis, and intended to supply it, it couldn't be said to be a sophisticated operation.

"There was no phone evidence or quantities of cash or significant weight."

Mr Dryden said what was recovered from Durkin's home was the "debris" from a previous cannabis crop into which he came in possession via from someone else.

"It was the remnants of a cannabis grow and, luckily for him, there was quite a bit of cannabis within those remnants.

"He has since served a 14-month sentence in Scotland for possessing a bladed article."

Mr Dryden said the defendant has had a long-standing history of drug and alcohol misuse.

Recorder Tom Moran told Durkin: "You are 41 and don't appear to have any previous offending for drug supply.

"It's conceded you will have to serve a prison sentence. The only question is over the length."

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Recorder Moran said allowing him a ten-per cent discount off his sentence for his late guilty plea, he would impose a ten-month sentence.

"I understand you have served a term of imprisonment in Scotland and so it will be up to the Prison Service to calculate the remand time and your release date."

Recorder Moran also ordered forfeiture and destruction of the seized cannabis.