Police went to a house to investigate a burglary and discovered a flourishing cannabis factory.

Abayomi Sawyer spoke to officers from an upstairs window in an attempt to avoid discovery after thieves tried to get their hands on the drug.

But police went into the house in Tenor Drive, Hoo, and found 59 plants growing with the aid of sophisticated equipment.

The 32-year-old hotel chef then made full admissions and boasted: “I have been growing for a while. I have got good skills now.”

But he walked free from Maidstone Crown Court after a judge said he was prepared to take a constructive course “so that the state is not burdened by your use of a prison cell”.

Sawyer, now of Argent Way, Sittingbourne, was sentenced to 21 months jail suspended for two years with 200 hours unpaid work and supervision.

Prosecutor Trevor Wright said when officers arrived at the house on January 25 they saw the front door had extensive damage.

On entry they could immediately smell cannabis. An officer went into a bedroom and saw a grow tent containing 17 plants with fans and lighting.

In another room there was a grow tent containing 42 plants. A coaster had a small amount of cocaine on it.

Sawyer, who admitted cultivating cannabis, said he was a heavy user of the drug and had been growing it at his previous address in Sittingbourne. Judge Jeremy Carey said Sawyer was producing the drug for commercial reasons as well.

But his case was markedly different to others. If jailed he would lose his job and possibly his accommodation.

The judge said those who dealt in cannabis on such a level go to prison for up to three years in the majority of cases.