A DRUG dealer was caught by accident by police after officers investigating another matter in his street asked him if he could move his van.

Scott Mitchell gave himself away immediately when he opened his front door and a constable was met with the strong smell of cannabis wafting from inside.

Prosecutor Tony Trigg said: “The police were in the street on completely unrelated business when an officer knocked on the defendant’s door and asked him to move his van.

“He could smell cannabis from the front door and asked Mr Mitchell if he had cannabis inside.

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“The defendant co-operated and invited him in.”

Police found three boxes of cannabis in his living room with a potential street value of between £8,800 and £10,700.

A further search of his home unearthed 14 cannabis plants in his basement which could have yielded drugs worth between £2,500 and £3,000.

Mitchell, 42, of Gwern Avenue, Senghenydd, Caerphilly, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Ed Mitchard, mitigating, said: “The defendant is a very lonely man who is not reaching his true potential.

“He lives a reclusive life and does not have many friends. He is an intelligent man who puts his points across succinctly.”

Cardiff Crown Court was told the defendant had pleaded guilty on the basis that most of the drugs were intended for his own personal use.

Judge Daniel Williams sentenced Mitchell to a 12-month community order.

The defendant must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and undertake a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He also has to pay £160 costs and an £85 surcharge.