POLICE attending the report of a domestic dispute uncovered a high-quality cannabis farm after they forced their way into a house.

On arrival, officers were barred from entering the house of Peter Jones, in Sledmere Close, Peterlee, Durham Crown Court was told.

Jones swore and told them to leave, and pushed an iron bar through the letterbox in their direction.

Roger Moore, prosecuting, said they forced open the door and noticed a strong smell of drugs.

He said: "They found 17 cannabis plants growing in the front room, set up with all the usual paraphernalia, including lamps, reflective foil and a hydroponic system."

Mr Moore said one of the officers described the plants as the best he had seen in his police career.

Mr Moore said one mature plant can be harvested to produce drugs worth £1,000.

Alex Burns, for 33-year-old Jones, said he took cannabis to relieve an injury from his time in the Armed Forces.

He said: "He knows it was a wrong thing to do and would welcome any help to stop his drug consumption."

Mr Burns said Jones was particularly concerned at his behaviour when police arrived. Jones, who has previous drug offences, admitted producing a controlled drug and assaulting a police officer.

He was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation order.

The plants were ordered to be confiscated.