A MAN has been ordered to complete unpaid work after he was caught growing and selling cannabis.

Stephen Barker, 24, of Tower Close, Abingdon, admitted producing the Class B drug, as well as possessing it with intent to supply.

His home was raided by police on October 25 last year and 16 cannabis plants were discovered in his bedroom wardrobe. Along with hydroponic equipment and rolls of plastic bags, officers found around 250g of loose cannabis and messages on Barker’s mobile phone asking for drugs.

Jonathan Stone, prosecuting, said the street value of the drugs based on the potential yield of the plants could be as much as £8,960.

Andrew Hobson, defending, said Barker had started growing the drug for his own use and never made much profit from it. He said: “His primary purpose was to provide his own cannabis. He only ever supplied friends and acquaintances and he did not go into the street and try and give cannabis to people who weren’t taking it.”

He added that after 18 months of being unemployed Barker had returned to his previous job as a painter and decorator.

Recorder Patrick Vincent made a community order with 250 hours of unpaid work and ordered the defendant to pay £350 towards costs.