The verdict in the trial of a 46-year-old man accused of cultivating cannabis and possessing the drug in circumstances denoting that it was not for his personal consumption is expected today.

Anthony Seychell, from Zejtun, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him; however, during his testimony he admitted cultivating over 110 cannabis plants that were found in his house.

On Monday, Seychell testified how he started cultivating cannabis after some seeds fell of the cage of a bird and germinated. He took on the habit of smoking six joints a day as an analgesic as he was afflicted with acute back pain for a number of years.

Both defence and prosecution rested their case and the defence acknowledged that the defendant was admitting to the first count, that of cultivation, and asked the panel of jurors to plead for clemency.

Presiding judge Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono is expected resume conclude his summing up today and send the jury to retire in order to reach a verdict.

Dr Nadine Sant from the Office of the Attorney General prosecuted while Dr Tonio Azzopardi appeared for the defendant.