An asylum seeker’s search for paid work after arriving in London with few means led to him being placed in a North East cannabis farm, a court heard.

Elvis Kastrati had only been at the address in Hartlepool for two days, however, when police raided the property, in Cornwall Street, on December 13, last year.

Durham Crown Court heard that officers found cannabis was being grown on three different levels, including in the loft space, all of which were fitted with lighting, ducting and other paraphernalia associated with drug farming.

But the defendant was only detained after being found hiding in a secure area, which had to be ripped open to enable the officers to get to him.

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He made to comment on being arrested other than to confirm that a wallet, containing either £40, found at the property, belonged to him.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, said, in total, police recovered 139 plants from the address, including some only at seedling stage of growth.

But Mr Newcombe said all were considered of good quality and had the potential to produce a yield with a sale value of between £39,000 and £116,000.

The 25-year-old defendant went before magistrates the day after his arrest and admitted producing a class B drug.

His case was sent to the crown court to be sentenced following preparation of a background Probation Service report.

Matthew Hopkins, for Kastrati, conceded that his client was at risk of an immediate prison sentence and said he has found the last two months in custody since his arrest, “an unpleasant experience”.

Read more: Police found 117 cannabis plants being grown at house in Trimdon

“Essentially, he was an asylum seeker living rough in London and desperate for money, seeking work cleaning or in construction.

“But he was told if he went to Hartlepool some ‘individuals’ could find him work.

“He admits it was foolish. But he’s a somewhat vulnerable person who has been taken advantage of.

“He was shown what to do and for two days tended the plants, but he had not been paid at that stage.

“All he had on him when he was arrested was £40 and an Oyster card.

“According to the author of his pre-sentence report he presents a low risk of re-offending.”

Read next:

               Jailed cannabis farmer said he was acting under orders tending grow in Seaham

               Cannabis grower placed in County Durham home to repay debt

               Cannabis 'gardener' fled house in County Durham when police raided

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Recorder Harry Vann accepted the defendant played a “lesser role” in the overall operation and was, “susceptible to the influence of others.”

He imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity days, and undergo 160 hours of unpaid work.

Recorder Vann ordered forfeiture and destruction of the seized plants and growing equipment, but he allowed the defendant to retain the £40 taken from him on arrest.