A MAN who admitted growing cannabis at his home has been spared jail.

Huw Ankers-Phillips, of Tegfan, in Johnstown, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday morning.

The 35-year-old admitted one count of producing cannabis and three of possessing class B drugs with intent to supply them to another.

He'd initially been due to go to trial for the allegations but changed his pleas at the Friday hearing.

Ember-Jade Wong, prosecuting, told the court that on September 22, 2020, police executed a warrant at the defendant's home - which he shares with his elderly and disabled father.

The defendant was asleep when the officers arrived and discovered a "well set up cannabis grow" consisting of 27 plants in a disused bathroom.

Evidence was found to show that another grow was being planned in a garage.

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Ms Wong said inside the house was stock one might expect to find in a 'cannabis shop', including seven separate packages of 8oz deals, cannabis oil and paraphernalia for its use.

When arrested, the defendant maintained the substance found was for his own use and explained it assisted with his "debilitating migraines."

All of the material was taken by police, but when officers returned in November they discovered a fresh grow had commenced.

Packaged cannabis found at the property was labelled under the brand "The Dank of Wrexham."

Overall, the drugs seized from Ankers-Phillips were worth more than £10,000.

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Ms Wong added the defendant has two previous matters of drugs possession on his record, as well as a drug drive.

She also applied for the commencement of proceeds of crime proceedings.

In limited representations - Judge Niclas Parry having already indicated he would be willing to suspend any custodial sentence - Dafydd Roberts, defending, asked that his client be given credit for his guilty pleas despite their lateness.

Judge Parry handed down a 16-month custodial sentence but suspended it for two years.

Ankers-Phillips must undertake 200 hours of unpaid work but the Judge made no other orders given the pending POCA proceedings, a mention for which will be held in April 2023.