POLICE who broke into a man's home found 31 cannabis plants in various stages of growth.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Mark Lockwood, 22, had become a user of the drug, living as a recluse, after a three-year-relationship with his girlfriend ended.

Lockwood, appearing before Recorder David Robson, pleaded guilty to charges of being concerned in the production of cannabis and possessing cannabis.

The court heard how on February 1, police visited Lockwood's former home in Intrepid Close, Hartlepool, and banged on the door for half an hour before forcing their way into the property.

Once inside, officers found 31 cannabis plants valued at between £7,000 and £9,000, along with other items used in the growing of the plant.

Lockwood also had 2.43 grams of cannabis in his pocket, the court was told.

Martina Connolly, defending, said Lockwood had no previous convictions and had taken to the drug after becoming severely depressed following the break-up of a long-standing relationship with his girlfriend.

Ms Connolly said Lockwood was extremely remorseful and sorry for the devastation he had brought upon his family.

Sentencing Lockwood, now of Tempest Road, Hartlepool, to 12 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, Recorder Robson said he had caused his family, who live in Essex, grief and disgrace. But, he added that he had taken into account a medical report which indicated that he had suffered reactive depression following the break-down of his relationship.

The depression, said the recorder, resulted in Lockwood adopting a lifestyle where he had locked him- self away and taken to cannabis.

Recorder Robson also imposed a supervision order on Lockwood for nine months of the suspended sentence.