A MAN arrested after a house was stripped of cannabis plants has admitted a charge of being concerned in the production of a class B drug.

Malcolm Robinson made his ‘guilty’ plea during a short hearing at Durham Crown Court today (Friday January 3).

But the court heard that his basis of plea is based on the admissions he made to police at the time of his arrest.

It followed a report to police of suspicious activity at an address in Hurworth, near Darlington, with what were believed to be several cannabis plants being removed, on March 8.

Cannabis leaves and paraphernalia used in drug production were recovered when police arrived at the property, in Cedar Mews.

Chris Baker, prosecuting, said the Crown would like seven days to consider whether or not it accepts the basis of plea.

Ian West, for Robinson, asked for preparation of background reports on his client, by the Probation Service, prior to sentence, should the prosecution accept the basis of plea.

Recorder Sophie Drake bailed 52-year-old Robinson to an address in Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, pending sentence at the court on January 28.