A MAN has been ordered to do unpaid work after he admitted using an empty nightclub to grow cannabis.
John Phelan, 49, of Priory Avenue, Chingford, had hundreds of cannabis plants confiscated after they were found growing in the former Club Edge, just off Epping High Street, in January.
He admitted producing the drug and was sentenced to 240 hours community service and given an eight month jail term, suspended for two years, at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday.
Lorraine Grech, 38, of Trotwood, Chigwell, denied growing cannabis during an earlier hearing and her case has been ordered to lie on file by a judge, which means there can be no further action without court permission.
The club has since re-opened under new management as The Villa.
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