A MAN who was arrested after a cannabis factory was unearthed at a Bournemouth address has been spared an immediate prison term.

Ashley Andrew Lewer appeared in the dock at Poole Magistrates’ Court on September 1 in relation to two offences, which dated back to November 24, 2020.

Lewer, 33 and of Portsdown Hill Road, Portsmouth, previously pleaded guilty to a charge of being concerned in the production of 21 plants of cannabis by another at an address in Windham Road, Springbourne.

He also admitted being concerned in the management of the premises and knowingly permitted or suffered the production of cannabis to take place.

Magistrates committed the defendant to prison for four months, suspended for 12 months, with the offence crossing the custody threshold due to the number of plants and Lewer’s significant role.

He was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £128 surcharge and £85 costs.

Cannabis plants and equipment found at the address were to be forfeited and destroyed.

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