Hartlepool man admitted to growing 70 cannabis plants found in factory unit by police

Karl Jukes, 46, of Ashgrove Avenue, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to the production of the plants and possession of a class C drug when he appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

Alan Davison, prosecuting, said 70 cannabis plants were found by police in an industrial unit on the outskirts of Hartlepool on December 19 this year and Jukes was on the scene.

He said: “He said he was growing them for his own personal use.”

At the same time the defendant was found to have a quantity of anabolic steroids in his possession.

Stuart Heywood, defending, said: “At the time of the offences the defendant was in some financial difficulties and was given the opportunity to earn some money.

“It would place him very much at the bottom of the chain.”

District Judge Kristina Harrison committed the case to Teesside Crown Court and Jukes was granted unconditional bail.