Leeds granddad allowed his flat in Bramley tower block to be used as skunk cannabis farm in order to pay off credit card debts

Mark Deering was arrested after police executed a search warrant at his flat at Rycroft Court, Bramley, on August 14 last year.

Leeds Crown Court heard the 60-year-old was sleeping in the living room of the property as both bedrooms were being used to produce the class B drug.

Deborah Smithies, prosecuting, said officers found 16 "well cared for" plants growing in one of the bedrooms which was fitted high wattage bulbs, a transformer and extractor fans.

The remnants of a recently-harvested crop were found in the other bedroom which contained 11 large plant pots.

The prosecutor said officers found £2,340 in cash in an envelope in the living room.

Seedlings were found in a tray in a kitchen cupboard.

Deering was interviewed and told officers he had allowed two men to use his home to grow cannabis.

The defendant said he had given a key to one of the men and the plants were harvested while he was away on holiday.

Deering said the men had used his flat "every few days" but refused to name them.

He said the cash seized from the property belonged to the men.

Deering said he allowed his home to be used for financial gain as he had credit card debts.

He pleaded guilty to producing cannabis.

The court heard Deering as a previous conviction for conspiracy to supply cannabis dating back to 1997.

Probation officer Mick Berry said Deering has a wife, two children and two grandchildren.

Deering was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Judge Simon Batiste said: "You decided the best way to deal with your debt situation was to carry out a criminal action.

"You decided that the thing to do was to allow your property to be used for a not insignificant cannabis grow.

"Perhaps you now realise that it certainly was not the best way out of a debt problem.

"You have been arrested and brought before the court.

"You are frankly further in debt than your were beforehand.

"The courts always take a serious view of people involved in cannabis.

"It is seen by some as being a harmless drug - it is not.

"Many people have significant mental issues because of that drug."