A former Welsh Premier league football player caught by police growing two cannabis plants in his flat has told a court that he's climbing a "never-ending mountain" with his mental health issues.
Police seized 19.6g and 8.1g of herbal cannabis belonging to William Jarman when they attended his Newtown home at 8.20am on St David's Day (March 1).
The 37-year-old ex-Newtown AFC player was fined £80 after pleading guilty to one charge of possessing a controlled Class B drug.
Prosecutor Helen Tench told Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, March 26, that Jarman wanted to grow the cannabis for personal use.
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She added that the self-confessed cocaine addict was an "introvert who doesn't like to see people" including dealers "because he'll be under pressure to buy other drugs as well".
Robert Hanratty, acting on behalf of Jarman, said: "He is a pretty complex character with mental health issues, significant issues and lives a reclusive lifestyle which has resulted with non-compliance with the probation service.
"He's got to make sure he complies himself."
Jarman told the magistrates that he was trying to make his life better.
"I want to fix my body," he said. "I want to get back into work. It's a catch 22. There's obviously a personality disorder.
"Police are at my door because the last few years have been murderous. I've had people at my door. I've been arrested.
"I can't get off the bench for the life of me, and I'm trying to get off the bench. To be honest, I'm done with the whole thing.
"It all comes back to me. This is my life I'm trying to get off the bench. There really isn't a proper support network.
"I don't want to hold up the courts. I am suffering.
"I want to apologise for ending up in this situation. I'm trying to be decent, but I end up getting back in these circles. I've had my windows smashed and I've been spat at.
"I would like to say sorry. This mountain's never-ending".
Magistrates issued Jarman a £80 fine and ordered him to pay a £32 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.
His two cannabis plants and electrical equipment were also ordered to be destroyed.
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