A man who grew cannabis worth up to £70,000 claimed he planned to smoke the entire crop himself.

Lewis Maxwell's cultivation was discovered when a debt collector forced open his door.

He found an extensive, "sophisticated" cannabis plantation at the flat on Montrose Street in Brechin, Angus.

Fiscal depute Eilidh Robertson told Dundee Sheriff Court that 133 plants and associated paraphernalia were found in a room between the kitchen and bedroom.

Ms Robertson said: "He claimed the cannabis plants were all for his own personal use and he used cannabis to help him sleep.

"He claimed he would 'grow them, keep a big stash and smoke them throughout the year'.

"Forensic officers confirmed that the quantity of plants was in excess of what would be retained for personal use and is indicative of the accused being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

"They are of the opinion that the plants would yield between one and three ounces each with a total value of between £23,940 and £71,820."

Maxwell, 27, a prisoner at HMP Perth, pleaded guilty on indictment to producing cannabis between October 24, 2014, and April 24, 2015.

He further admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis between the same dates and failing to turn up at court at an earlier hearing.

Sheriff Tom Hughes jailed Maxwell for 18 months.