A MAN who grew cannabis plants in his kitchen will have to do 120 hours unpaid work in the community, a judge has ruled.

Stephen Bowater, 20, of Hawthorn Terrace, West Cornforth, County Durham, led police to a hydroponics system in a cupboard after they followed him home.

John Gillette, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that officers found two large, mature cannabis plants along with 120 cuttings.

Police, who had earlier seen Bowater acting in a suspicious matter, arrested him on June 3.

He told them that he had bought the cannabis equipment for his own use, to feed a £20-a-day.

Bowater, who admitted producing a class C drug, had no previous drug-related convictions and knew he was at risk of being jailed, said his barrister, Stewart Allison.

However, the judge, Recorder Timothy Stead, said he could draw back from custody and instead impose a community-based order.

The judge acknowledged that Bowater was currently working and said it appeared he had the cannabis plants simply to save himself money.

He said: "I will give you this order, but if you breach it you cannot expect any further mercy."

Bowater was ordered to pay £154 costs, while the cannabis plants were ordered to be destroyed.