A HOUSE fire exposed a cannabis-growing operation at the home of a Herefordshire chartered accountant, a court has heard.

Firefighters were called to a chimney fire in Willersley on the evening of September 9, prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe told Hereford magistrates.

But while working to put out the flames, crews found a number of cannabis plants inside the house and in a greenhouse.

Police were called, and homeowner Rhodri Jones-Morris, who admitted growing the plants when he appeared before magistrates, showed them he had nine plants in a greenhouse and four in a tent in an upstairs bedroom.

Dried and drying cannabis was also found in many of the rooms in the house.

In interview, Jones-Morris said he was growing the drug to support his own habit.

Edmund Middleton, for Jones-Morris, said the 42-year-old had been using cannabis since he was 12 years old.

"He took the decision to obtain it in the most ethical way one could by not involving anyone else or propping up a black economy by growing it in much the same way as many people grow their vegetables," Mr Middleton said.

"He has a long-standing habit, but has now taken steps to significantly reduce his usage of it, and has referred himself to Addaction. He has been self employed for 10 years and, having recently become chartered, is now really able to make something of his business. This type of behaviour can only hold him back."

Jones-Morris was fined £307 and must pay costs of £185 and a £34 victim surcharge. The cannabis plants were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.