A MAN had a sophisticated system for growing cannabis in his home, including specialist lighting and gas tanks, a court heard yesterday.

When officers raided the home of Mark William Adams, in Evenwood, they found numerous cannabis plants, soil acidity meters, compressed gas cylinders and reflective lights, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Adams, 36, of Glamis Terrace, admitted allowing his premises to be used for the production of a Class B drug.

Chris Baker, prosecuting, said officers raided the house and found a tray of plants in the living room, four black bin liners full of plants, 25 plants in a bedroom with lights pointing towards them, boxes of plant food and three bags with plant leaves in them.

The loft space had been lined with silver foil and there were bright lights and 12 more plants, some a metre high.

Cupboards contained more reflective lights and skunk cannabis plants.

While the police were searching the house Adams arrived and was arrested.

He told officers it was not his enterprise and that he had only known about it for a week.

The man who he accused of growing the cannabis later visited the police station and admitted the offence. He received a community service order.

Robin Denny, for Adams, said his client had a limited knowledge of the situation at the house, but admitted allowing it to go on after he found out.

Judge Les Spittle said Adams had pleaded guilty to a less serious charge than cultivation.

He placed him on a community rehabilitation order for 12 months.