A PUB renovator from Cwmbran has escaped an immediate prison sentence after allowing one of his properties to be used as a drugs factory.

Nathan Jones, 45, from Rhymney Court, Thornhill, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court today, where he pleaded guilty to permitting production of a class B drug.

He received an eight-month sentence suspended for one-and-a-half years, in addition to a fine of £2,500.

The court heard that Jones knowingly rented out a property in Croesyceiliog for the purpose of growing cannabis.

Prosecuting, Mark Battrick, said that although Jones was not actively involved in growing the drugs, he was making a profit as a result.

“A cannabis growing facility was found with tents, lights and ventilation cables at the house, and 34 plants were growing in it,” he said.

“The flowering estimate of the total yield was between 0.88kg and 1.76kg.”

Mr Battrick added that Jones complied with the police during interview and had admitted his guilt at the earliest stage, but would not name those involved in the direct drug production.

Defending, Gareth Williams told the court that Jones’ line of work had put strain on the family, and he was only trying to “make ends meet”.

“He was not living a lavish lifestyle,” said Mr Williams.

“He has gone about this in the wrong way.”

Concluding, Neil Bidder QC said that Jones’ decision to allow one of his properties to be used as a drugs factory meant he was profiting from the production.

“You have a number of properties and you decided to let one of those properties for people who were using the house as a cannabis factory,” said the judge.

Mr Bidder also handed down a victim surcharge of £170 and ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and related paraphernalia.

Jones will also be required to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work in the community.