A MAN who boasted to police officers that he grew more than £58,000 worth of cannabis in his house has been jailed.

David Butler was handed two years and three months in prison after police officers were called to his home in Hartlepool when his “big cannabis farm” flooded.

But when the 56-year-old was arrested he bragged about his homemade factory which contained more than 70 plants and worth an estimated street value of £58,500.

Teesside Crown Court heard Butler was caught “by accident” in September 2017 when police were alerted to a leak at his property – which turned out to be his flooded cannabis farm.

Jenny Hague, prosecuting, said: “Police received a report of a property in Hartlepool being flooded and the defendant arrived while the officers were there and told them he lived there.

“The officers could smell cannabis and when asked the defendant said his plants are on the next floor. He turned off the tap and the room contained cannabis plants.

“He was arrested and said ‘It is a big cannabis farm, there are 20 plants and over 200 cuttings.’ In fact there were 58 plants and 108 smaller cuttings.

“Evidence showed that 20 plants had previously been harvested and the estimated street value of the cannabis was £58,500.”

Paul Newcombe, defending, admitted that the cannabis was grown for commercial use but said Butler was under “severe financial pressure.”

He added that the 56-year-old who has 10 previous convictions, was last in prison over 20 years ago and has not re-offended since the discovery of the cannabis farm in 2017.

Addressing Butler, Judge Deborah Sherwin said: “I have no doubt that if you stopped and thought about it, you would have realised it was of a serious nature. It was a significant farm and you played a significant role. You should have realised it was going to lead to a prison sentence.

“The cannabis farm was discovered by accident when there was a leak and police officers discovered what was growing.

“This was nearly two years ago now and you have not reoffended. It is clear there is a different side to your character and people have spoken warmly of you and your kindness towards others”

Butler, of Lambert Road, Hartlepool, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison for one charge of producing cannabis.