A DOZY crook’s cannabis cultivation was discovered after he called cops to his home address to report an assault.

Derek John Kirkwood, 46, of Castlefern Road, Rutherglen, was sentenced to 18 months supervision after he produced cannabis at his home on June 16.

He appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

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The procurator fiscal depute told the court that police officers were called to Kirkwood’s Rutherglen home address at around 2.30am in relation to another matter.

The court heard that for safety purposes the police officers conducted a check of the property.

During that check, they discovered what appeared to be a cannabis cultivation.

A warrant was obtained at around 8am by the police officers.

The property was raided at around 11am with several items seized including three plants, lighting and a fan. 

When Kirkwood was detained and interviewed by cops he denied his involvement in cultivation of cannabis. 

The plants, however, tested positive for cannabis.

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His defence agent told the court that his client, who does not work, was assaulted and had suffered serious injuries.

He therefore called the police officers to report this assault.

His defence agent added that his client has certain mental health difficulties and uses the cannabis to help him sleep.

He also reminded the sentencing Sheriff Andrew Mackie that there had been a gap in his client’s offending. His defence agent added: “He has spent some time in custody in relation to this matter.”

Sheriff Mackie said to Kirkwood that he would not be imposing a custodial sentence.

He told the court: “What does strike me here is that you have a previous conviction for this which means I have to look seriously at this matter.

“I am not going to impose a custodial sentence but you are heading in that direction if you are caught cultivating cannabis again.”

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While Kirkwood was on the dock, Sheriff Mackie issued a stern warning: “If you do not co-operate fully with the social worker, you will be reported back to me.

“I will have no option but to impose a custodial sentence.”