A man who ran a cannabis factory in a shed in his back garden has escaped a prison sentence.

Robert Smith, 25, of William Street, Sittingbourne, admitted being involved in the production of cannabis, possessing cocaine, possessing cannabis and failing to comply with his shotgun certificate when he appeared at Sittingbourne Magistrates Court.

The cannabis factory was found by members of the Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team when they carried out a drugs warrant at Smith’s home on October 30 last year.

On Tuesday, magistrates ordered the forfeiture of the drugs and cultivation equipment and ordered Smith to pay £85 in costs.

He was given a 12 month community order and will have to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend five sessions of an education, training and employment programme.

Sgt Jason Hedges, of the Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team, said: “We take anyone involved in illicit drugs very seriously and will strive to identify, arrest and bring to justice anyone who uses, produces or supplies illegal drugs.

“We urge anyone who has any suspicions that a cannabis factory may be operating in the area to call the Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team on 01795 419119 or Kent Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.”