A NEWPORT man was given a suspended sentence after admitting producing cannabis in his house.

Malcolm Pompey, 33, of Harrow Road, appeared in Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday having previously admitted producing cannabis and abstracting electricity.

Prosecutor Gareth James told the court police executed a drugs warrant at the house Pompey shared with others in Harrow Road on December 22. He said 33 immature cannabis plants were found in a spare room of the house, with the electrical bypassed. The court heard the plants would have been worth around £8,000 once mature.

Representing Pompey, Andrew Morse said the defendant had a long standing cannabis habit and was growing his own so he would not get further into debt by buying from dealers.

Judge Phillip Richards sentenced Pompey to 46 weeks suspended for 12 months, with a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement. He was also ordered to pay £250 costs.