Pot smokers nabbed in the attic

Matthew Sharp, 26 and Oliver Smith, 27, spent fortunes on sophisticated hydroponics equipment to cultivate the plants because they were fed up of paying drug dealers.

But they soon realised they were in over their heads and were in the process of dismantling the makeshift factory on March 31 this year when they were arrested by police after suspicious neighbours raised the alarm.

Officers discovered the pair in the attic along with some 50 cannabis plants with a yield value of around 3,750. The attic had been insulated and equipped with expensive light and temperature control equipment.

Both men pleaded guilty producing a class b drug to magistrates in Hastings on Tuesday with Sharp admitting a further charge of possessing 0.7 grams of cannabis resin.

Lucy Stiles, 28, admitted allowing the men to use her property for the production of a controlled drug.

The court heard how Sharp, of Windmill Drive, and Smith, of Sutherland Avenue, suggested the arrangement and offered to pay Lucy Stiles, who was struggling to pay her rent.

But the naive pair had no idea how much it would cost to maintain the cannabis factory, which was described as 'fairly professional.' Stiles' electricity bills rocketted to pay for the expensive lighting and because they were not making money by selling the drug the operation quickly became financially unviable.

Diane Meneer, defending, said: "It has been an expensive lesson to all of them.

"They knew what they were doing wrong but did not appreciate the seriousness of what they were getting into. All three of them hold down responsible full-time jobs. Matthew and Oliver believe this conviction could ruin their careers and devastate their lives. They are extremely sorry.

Magistrates delayed sentencing Sharp and Smith until July 22 for reports but warned they were likely to receive strong community punishment penalties as well as fines.

Lucy Stiles was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay 43 costs.