Cannabis shed: Simon Redclift given suspended jail term
A man banned from his garden shed where he grew cannabis has been given a suspended jail term and a six-month curfew.
The 32-week jail term for Simon Redclift, 53, of Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, was suspended for two years.
South Wales Police said the shed plants could have been worth up to £20,000.
Describing the shed as a "cannabis factory," Judge David Wynn Morgan said: "On any basis the shed was hardly the place for positive recreation."
Judge Morgan also criticised Redclift for having given a pre-sentence interview to the local press, which he said some might see as foolhardy.
Redclift, a former cannabis user, had admitted producing cannabis and possessing it with intent to supply when he returned before the judge for sentencing.
Dismantled and burnt
The court heard that he had previous convictions for growing cannabis at his home in 2004, 2008, 2010 and 2011 as well as stealing cars and wounding and assaulting a police officer.
The judge ordered the defendant to wear an electronic tag during the overnight curfew from 8pm - 8am.
He said: "No doubt this will be of enormous benefit to your family."
He warned the defendant the suspended jail term would be activated if he came before the court again.
The judge had previously banned Redclift from entering the shed and said that he was considering ordering its destruction.
But the sentencing hearing heard that Redclift and a friend had already dismantled and burnt the shed.