AN UNEMPLOYED man grew more than 180 cannabis plants in his parents' loft without their knowledge.

David Smee, 30, set up a hydroponic factory in the roof space to feed the illegal plants with water and light, Dartford Magistrates' Court heard.

When police raided the three-bedroomed house, in Lansbury Crescent, Dartford, on January 12, they found five “mother” plants surrounded by 176 seedlings.

Smee pleaded guilty to cultivating the drug as well as possessing 135GMs of cannabis resin and 61GMs of herbal cannabis found in bags in a bedroom.

Prosecuting, Colin Shackel said: “This is a very large amount for personal use.

“He told police he hadn't grown it before and didn't know how much the plants would yield.”

Magistrates heard Smee, who lives in a one-bedroomed flat in Browning Road, Dartford, smoked cannabis to ease headaches after undergoing surgery to remove an eye tumour in 1991.

Amber Marks, defending, said: “This was an experiment that went very badly wrong.

He added: “Views over the legalisation of cannabis are legitimate political opinions, as recognised by the House of Lords.”

The case was adjourned until July 27 to assess Smee's “social phobia” which would make him vulnerable in prison.