A TROWBRIDGE man has pleaded guilty to the production of cannabis after a drugs factory was found at his home.

Michael Tooze, 60, of Ashton Street, was charged with production of a controlled drug on November 15 and appeared at North West Wiltshire Magistrates Court on December 1, where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

On June 28, the electricity board attended Tooze’s home address following intelligence that he was illegally abstracting electricity.

On arrival, a cannabis factory was discovered over two floors of the property consisting of more than 100 plants with an estimated street value of a staggering £158,600.

PC Charly Chilton said: “This was a really positive result for the Community Policing Team and it proves that we will act on all information we receive.

“In this instance, we were alerted by the electricity board following information they had received that electricity was being abstracted.

“Abstracting electricity is highly dangerous. It not only creates a threat to life to those living in the immediate area, but also poses a hazard to officers.

“Cannabis with a street value of almost £160,000 has now been seized, preventing it from reaching vulnerable people within our communities. This is a positive result.

“I would urge residents to report any concerns they have regarding drug activity in their community to report it to police via 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Tooze will be sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.