A GUESTHOUSE owner grew cannabis in his cupboard for at least four years, a court has heard.

Visitors to the family-run Moorland House bed and breakfast accommodation in Fulford enjoy its secluded walled garden and conservatory.

But inside, Gordon Ernest Metcalfe had a second, illegal garden that was not for the overnight guests.

Cathy Turnbull, prosecuting, said when police executed a drugs warrant at the three-star guesthouse on March 25, they found four large and ten smaller cannabis plants in a cupboard.

They also found lighting, hydroponics and other specialised equipment for maintaining and growing the plants.

Metcalfe, 47, of Moorland Road, Fulford, pleaded guilty to growing cannabis.

He was ordered to complete 100 hours’ unpaid work and pay £85 prosecution costs. The drugs paraphernalia and equipment and the plants will all be destroyed.

Ms Turnbull told the court when police interviewed Metcalfe after the raid, he said he had been growing cannabis for four or five years.

He estimated he smoked an ounce of cannabis a week.

Metcalfe’s solicitor Craig Robertson said he had been “very, very candid” with the police.

“He grew it for himself and he smoked it himself,” said Mr Robertson.

Metcalfe had no previous convictions.

Moorland House advertises that it caters for families as well as couples and individuals travelling alone and aims to attract tourists visiting York and Leeds, visitors to the University of York and racegoers and others attending York races or events on Knavesmire.