Police discovered cannabis plants worth £20,000 during search of house in Osmondthorpe

Officers found 38 plants growing in two bedrooms of the property on Wykebeck Mount, Osmondthorpe, which was fitted with heating, lighting, fans and other growing equipment.

West Yorkshire Police made the discovery on December 2 last year after receiving intelligence that the house was being used for criminal activity.

Leeds Crown Court heard the house was covered by CCTV cameras.

Dariusz Sawicki was arrested at the house. He had been sleeping on a pull-out bed in the living room.

Cash, scales and grip-sealed bags were also recovered.

The electricity supply to the house had been bypassed.

Sawicki was interviewed and provided a statement saying he had "no choice" but to grow the cannabis.

He pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and abstracting electricity.

Sawicki has a previous reprimand for growing cannabis.

Kate Riekstina, mitigating, said Sawicki had been in prison for more than three months since being arrested.

Ms Riekstina said Sawicki committed the offence as he had suffered financially during the lockdown period.

She added: "He is nearly 50 now and he knows he can't carry on like this."

Sawicki was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.