A FATHER who was caught growing cannabis in his grandfather's home has been jailed for two years and nine months.

Ben Jackson, 23, of Bluehouse Road, Chingford, admitted producing cannabis, possessing cannabis with intent to supply, and possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

He was arrested on October 23 last year after police found cannabis, cocaine and £1,115 in cash at a house, in Litchfield Close, Clacton, where Jackson had been staying with his grandfather.

Judge Christopher Ball QC jailed him for two years and nine months for possessing cocaine with intent to supply, to run consecutively with nine months for the possession of cannabis and nine months for producing cannabis.

Judge Ball said: "The purpose is to try and stop other people going down the same route, to try and avoid some of these drugs being so readily available on the streets.

"In court you see the terrible damage they do to people's lives."

Stephen Levy, defending, said Jackson had only wanted to supply drugs socially to his friends.

He said Jackson began using cannabis at a young age, largely to deal with depression, but was now "very much under control".

Chelmsford Crown Court heard Jackson now lived in London with his partner and young daughter, and hoped to complete a course to become an electrician.

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