A 51-year-old who had a cannabis farm in his loft to earn money was described as “naive” when he appeared in court.
Steven Taylor appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he was sentenced for producing a controlled drug of Class B.
In a previous hearing,he admitted the offence, where the court heard that police were called on March 30 last year after builders - who were working on Taylor’s neighbour’s house in Fakenham at the time - spotted the cannabis plants.
Taylor admitted to police when they arrived that he had a total of 35 young cannabis plants that were around 12 inches tall growing in his loft.
In mitigation, Ian Fisher said that Taylor was struggling financially at the time and thought he could make some money by growing the cannabis plants.
“They were immature plants. This was his first and last crop,” said Mr Fisher.
“People who sell drugs tend to be more discreet. In this case, he made it clear he grew the plants.
“He is not a sophisticated and cynical offender.”
Magistrate Alan Hayes said: “This seems like it was done out of naivety and it was good it was stopped before it could get going.”
Taylor was handed a 26-week prison sentence - suspended for 12 months.
He was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity days.
Taylor, of Whitwell Road in Reepham, will also pay a £154 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.