A BRIDGWATER man started growing cannabis to cope with the death of his mother and brother, a court has heard.

59-year-old Jeffery Andrew Coull pleaded guilty to the production of a controlled drug at Sedgemoor Magistrates' Court last Tuesday.

The court heard how Coull was arrested on April 23 after police found 73 cannabis plants at various stages of growth at his Taunton Road home.

Emma Chetland, prosecuting, said Coull admitted growing the plants to the police but said they were for his own personal use.

He said he was using cannabis to relieve the suffering he felt over the death of his mother and brother in the last two years and decided to grow the drug himself.

Gareth Needs, defending, said: “The reason why Mr Coull has found himself in court is that he has had a rough time over the last couple of years.

“He is nearly 60 and lost both his mother and brother, which has had a knock on affect, and I do not think it would be surprising if he attended a GP about his problems.

“He since turned to alcohol but then decided to cultivate cannabis.

“He is remorseful and accepts what he did was wrong.”

Magistrate Helen Gimbert said: “Before we can sentence you we are going to ask the probation service to write a report about you.

“We are rather worried about the amount of plants found in your home.”

Coull was bailed to appear before Sedgemoor Magistrates' Court on August 9, when he will be sentenced.