A Leek dad who dug out a “cave” under his home to grow and supply cannabis, has been jailed.
Matthew Walters, of Barracks Way, Leek, was caught twice for growing a cannabis farm at home.
Police first discovered the drug farm when they searched the 31-year-old’s North Street home on February 1 last year.
They found 73 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of between £5,670 and £9,280.
A large quantity of cash amounting to £1,600 was also found.
While Walters was on bail for this offence, the father of a 13-year-old girl was discovered to be growing cannabis again – this time in a dug out “cave” under his new rented home.
The estimated worth of the cannabis plants was £4,000.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Walters claimed the only reason for growing the drug was to raise money to pay off both “legitimate” and other drug debts.
Judge David Fletcher said: “Although these were legitimate debts it was a result of your drug use.
“You are a man who has had a somewhat difficult life which has resulted in the break down of your relationships.
“However, lots of people get in to debt. Lots of people find themselves in difficulty financially.
“But people don’t go digging holes in their homes to grow cannabis plants.”
Walters was sentenced to three years and seven months for the production of and possession with intent to supply cannabis.
He will serve half of his sentence in prison and the rest on licence.