A man called police to complain that masked men had broken in to his house - and stolen his cannabis.
Mark Rollin complained that a gang armed with weapons had forced their way into his Dewsbury home.
But when officers arrived at the 33-year-old’s address they found the remains of a cannabis farm.
He was lucky to escape jail for his antics when a district judge sitting in Huddersfield criticised the frequency of similar cases of drug-related violence coming before the courts.
Rollin, of Bradford Road in Dewsbury, pleaded guilty to producing a class B drug.
He had called police to his home on July 20, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard.
Alex Bozman, prosecuting, said: “Mr Rollin phoned police saying masked men had entered his address, broken down the door and then left the property.
“Officers attended and when they arrived they found a cannabis set up in an upstairs bedroom and the cellar.”
The court heard that Rollin had used £4,000 worth of equipment to grow the cannabis and the plants found were said to be worth up to £1,400.
Rollin told police that he had answered the door to a friend when three other people burst him.
He admitted that had a significant cannabis habit that would have cost him in excess of £50 a day to sustain.
Paul Blanchard, mitigating, described the incident as an “occupational hazard”.
He explained that the gang who broke into his client’s address knew that the cannabis growing equipment had been sold to him.
He added: “Mr Rollin did something foolish. The appearance of individuals at his door brandishing weapons has taught him a lesson.”
District Judge Michael Fanning said he believes the courts will start to hand out more custodial sentences to defendants involved with drug production.
He added: “There’s a proliferation of cannabis farms and the sort of violence I’m hearing about is becoming more frequent.”
Judge Fanning ordered Rollin to complete 250 hours of unpaid work as a direct alternative to custody.
Rollin must also pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge.
Finally, the drugs and associated equipment will be forfeited and destroyed.
