Setting up a mini-cannabis factory in one of his bedrooms has cost an Ipswich man more than £600.

Andrew Gatt, of Ransome Road, admitted production of cannabis when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

Police found 14 plants when they attended the 41-year-old’s home on March 15 on an unrelated matter.

The Class B drugs were found when an officer went upstairs and into one of the bedrooms.

Wayne Ablett, prosecuting, said there was an 8ft by 4ft tent, heating lamps, light filters, buckets, a transformer, trays and other paraphernalia to grow the cannabis.

The plants were found in a small wooden cabinet. They were between six inches and 10 inches in height.

The court heard Gatt lost his job five months ago and purchased second-hand equipment to grow cannabis.

Moore told police he had used cannabis for 20 years,

He had purchased the seeds and looked on the internet to see how to grow the plants.

Larissa Hutson, representing Gatt, said: “It’s been a salutary experience. He’s decided to re-examine his life and has stopped smoking cannabis entirely.

Magistrates fined Gatt £500. He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and £50 to the victims’ fund.