A FATHER who grew cannabis worth £2,800 in a garden shed has avoided jail.

Michael Barber, of Granville Close, Billericay, told Southend Crown Court he cultivated 43 plants to help his ex-wife cope with her arthritis.

The 48-year-old bought expensive hydroponics equipment and diverted mains electricity to power his mini drugs factory.

However, Judge John Lodge ruled he had learnt his lesson and allowed him to walk free.

He said: “People who cultivate yields of that size usually get prison sentences.

“However, in your case that sentence will be suspended.”

Barber was handed an eight-month sentence, suspended for a year. He was also banned from leaving his home between 9pm and 4.30am for three months.

The court heard he decided to grow the cannabis after reading about the pain-relieving effects it can have for arthritis sufferers.

His former wife, with whom he has three children, lives in The Fremnells, Basildon.

Barber set up the hydroponics equipment in a shed at the bottom of her garden and routed the mains electricity so it bypassed the meter for the house.

Police discovered the drugs factory when they raided the home in September.

Experts estimated the plants they found would have been worth £2,800 at street prices.

Barber pleaded guilty to growing Class B drugs and illegally taking electricity.

Judge Lodge said: “While this was an error of judgment, it was a fairly sophisticated one.

“It was not simply the growing of cannabis by splashing a few seeds in a garden pot.”

In addition to the suspended sentence, Barber was told to pay £500 in prosecution and defence costs.

The judge also ordered the confiscation and destruction of the hydroponics equipment and cannabis.

(Source)