IGNORING council mail can cost you – as one Cardenden man discovered when he failed to respond to abandonment notices.

Ben William McCathie (27), was found to be growing six cannabis plants and by-passing the electricity meter after he was served with two notices for rent arrears.

Council employees discovered the plants when they moved to take possession of the property.

McCathie, of 35 Kirkburn Drive, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday, and admitted that on 21st April 2015, at 52 Kirkburn Drive, he produced cannabis; and intentionally altered the register of an electricity meter and by-passed the meter.

Fiscal depute Dev Kapadia narrated, “The accused was served with an abandonment notice for rent arrears for his previous property, and a second notice was sent.

“He did not reply to either and subsequently the council then moved to take possession of the property.

“Entry was gained and the council employees found six cannabis plants and police were contacted.

“When they arrived, they also found that the electricity meter appeared to have been by-passed.” Scottish Power were contacted to make it safe, and a lighting and heating system were found to be in place to assist with the growing of the plants.

Police indicated that there could have been a possible cannabis yield of between £1500-£5100, depending on the growth and quality. The cost of the stolen electricity was estimated to be £132.83.

McCathie, who was not represented, told the Court, “I wasn’t trying to do anything stupid.

“I know what I’ve done. I know I shouldn’t have. I’m working full-time and I stay with my friends.” Sheriff Simon Collins imposed a community payback order with 150 hours of unpaid work to be completed within eight months.

He said, “You have two minor matters and you’re effectively a first offender. I can deal with the matter in a non-custodial way.”