A YOUNG Harold Wood man, who was photographed kneeling between cannabis plants, was jailed for three years for drugs offences.

A police raid on a house in Coombe Road revealed evidence that a cannabis factory had been operating there.

Resident Billy Clarkson, 26, was caged after admitting a charge of possession of the weed with intent to supply, at Croydon Crown Court, on Thursday (January 6).

Prosecuting, Miss Deanna Heer said officers went to the property on August 5 and discovered three bin bags full of herbal cannabis weighing 1.1k.

Also found were two sets of scales and it was clear that the drugs were in the process of being weighed.

“In a safe in the kitchen was �1,390 cash,” she said. “There was an indication that a cannabis factory had been running in a garage which had been lined with sheeting.

“And there were pieces of hydrophonic equipment “

Police also came across pictures showing Clarkson crouched between cannabis plants.

The cannabis in the bin bags had an estimated street value of �6,600.

Mr Michael Hillman, defending, said there was no proof that Clarkson had been involved in the growing of the cannabis and he had not been charged with production.

The drugs found by police had been delivered on that day and Clarkson was weighing them up ready for onward distribution.

Seven people had been living at the address at the time.

Judge Stephen Waller ordered the destruction of the drugs and equipment and the forfeiture of the money found.