A pilot found to be growing a crop of cannabis plants after crashing his plane must wait another month before discovering his legal fate.

Sidney Clark, 59, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday for a sentencing hearing. However, the case had to be adjourned for legal reasons until June 5.

Clark has admitted producing cannabis and abstracting electricity between December 1 2007 and February 27 last year.

He has also pleaded guilty to two offences of possessing cannabis on February 26 2008.

Police found 400 plants at Clark’s home in Tonbridge Road, Barming, after he crashed his light aircraft at Farthing Common, near Hythe.

Clark, who escaped serious injury, disputes the prosecution’s case that he was cultivating the drug for commercial supply.

Witnesses will be called to give evidence on June 5 and the matter will be decided by Judge Charles Macdonald QC. He is then expected to proceed to sentence Clark, who has been remanded in custody.