A MAN who was caught producing cannabis with a "sophisticated" growing setup is to be sentenced.

Craig Hughes, of Chester Road in Oakenholt, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 42-year-old admitted that he produced 70 cannabis plants, which was discovered by police on August 6 this year in Wrexham.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that on the day in question, officers attended an address where the defendant was staying for an unrelated matter.

But as a result of their attendance, they discovered what Mr Espie described as "a sophisticated setup."

There were "a lot of cannabis plants in numerous rooms" - 70 of which were recovered - as well as a ventilation system.

The electrics at the property had also been tampered with in connection with the growing setup.

Hughes told police the plants were for his own use and the yields he was getting were relatively low.

Mr Espie told the court Hughes had 12 previous offences on his record - including possession of class B drugs.

Gary Harvey, defending, told the court: "I've known him a long time; he's from Flint and has become something of a recluse in the last few years.

"His mental health has deteriorated and he has suffered severe anxiety and depression.

"The police found these plants, and from what he says, it's the resin he uses from them.

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"He can't afford cannabis really, so he has taken to setting up this system to grow it.

"But a lot of these plants couldn't have been used - around 50 per cent would have been discarded.

"And they weren't being sold. They were for him to use."

The court decided the offence crossed the custody threshold and opted to stand the matter down for a pre-sentence report.

Hughes was warned all options remain on the table, including committal to the Crown Court for sentence.

He will be back in the dock at Wrexham Magistrates Court to learn his fate on September 25.