A MAN caught growing 17 cannabis plants at his home in Stroud has avoided jail.

Edward Fox, 52, of Middle Street, Stroud, was given at 26 week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months at a hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on December 18.

Fox had pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of the Class B drug and to abstracting electricity without authority at a previous hearing at the same court on November 27.

Seventeen cannabis plants and growing equipment were discovered at the defendant's flat, and he was found to have diverted £430.94 worth of electricity.

The court was told that the yield from the plants had a possible street value of between £4,000 and £12,000.

But Fox's lawyer said that the defendant used cannabis to treat arthritis in his knees and that the plants were for personal use.

Fox was given at 26 week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months and ordered to participate in rehabilitation activities, as directed by the court.

He was also fined a total of £200.