A DAD-of-two was growing cannabis in the property he planned to refurbish and sell on at a profit, a court heard.

Police raided the flat on Burbage Road after a tip-off that Slovakian HGV driver Denes Oross and a pal were harvesting the plant and carrying bin bag containing the class B drug to vehicles outside.

Inside the flat they found a black tent in the back bedroom containing 10 adult cannabis plants, fans and an irrigation set-up. Officers discovered three “mother plants” from which cuttings had been taken and evidence of 30 plants that had already been harvested.

Oross, 45, of Ashley Close, Penhill, pleaded guilty to production of cannabis.

Gareth James, defending, said his client had bought the cultivation kit from some friends. The crop seized by police was Oross’ first and it was intended solely for his personal consumption or for giving to friends in return for them doing DIY or other tasks.

He was said to have known what he was doing was wrong. Probation officer Claire Hyde said: “Every time he went to the property he imagined the police would be there.”

Recorder Alexia Power sentenced him to six months imprisonment suspended for a year. He must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and up to 25 rehabilitation activity days.