A man who had set up a cannabis factory in his Sandwich home has been jailed.

Matthew Arnold, 40, of Fordwich Place, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

He was sentenced to nine months in prison for each offence – to run concurrently –at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, September 23.

The drugs were discovered by members of the Dover Community Policing Team when they conducted a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at the address on March 10, 2015.

A number of cannabis plants and cultivation equipment including UV lighting, extractor fans, heaters and automated hydration systems were discovered in Arnold’s bedroom and the loft area.

A total of 61 cannabis plants, which ranged from saplings to mature plants, were seized.

Once fully matured, the cannabis would have had a potential estimated street value of between £40,000 and £61,000.

Inspector Guy Thompson of the Dover Community Safety Unit said: “This warrant was part of our ongoing fight to disrupt people who are involved in the use of illegal drugs in the Dover district.

“We urge anyone who has information about illegal drug use to contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or speak to their local police community support officer.”