A man who grew a £32,000 cannabis crop to save money was ordered to forfeit £240 that was seized by the police when he was arrested.

Peter Bergin, 55, was jailed for three years at an earlier hearing at Bradford Crown Court and chose not to attend a confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

He was caught growing skunk cannabis at his home in Back Cavendish Street, Idle, Bradford, last June after a neighbour complained about an “overwhelming” smell of the drug. He admitted production of cannabis and possession of the Class B drug with intent to supply.

Police seized 84 cannabis plants and two bags of the drug, plus scales and cash. Bergin had smoked cannabis for 35 years and was growing to save money.

Recorder of Bradford, Judge Roger Thomas QC, found that Bergin’s benefit from the cannabis crop was £33,598, but his available assets were £240, already in the hands of the police.