A SEMI-professional footballer with Evesham United has been given a suspended jail sentence after police discovered a cannabis farm at his home.

Officers had visited Leo Brown with a warrant for unpaid fines but went in the house to investigate after finding the front door left open, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

They then discovered 10 cannabis plants being grown in a bedroom with a full hydroponic system.

The plants, which were 14 weeks from maturity, would have provided about 280 grammes – a street value of about £2,800 if sold at £10 a time, prosecutor Warren Stanier said.

In the kitchen police also discovered a shoe box containing a small amount of cannabis while in an underwear drawer they found a CS gas canister – a prohibited weapon.

Brown, of Church Road, Bradmore, Wolverhampton, admitted cultivating cannabis, possessing the controlled drug and possessing the CS gas canister.

Judge John Wait said reports indicated Brown was turning things around.

“It looks as though your life is getting back on track,” he said.

“But you know growing cannabis is against the law. You have put yourself at grave risk of throwing away everything you have worked hard to achieve.”

David Kelly, defending, said Brown picked up £70-a-match playing for Evesham United in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division and was determined to stay on the straight and narrow in the future.

Brown, a father-of-one, was given a three-month jail term suspended for a year, ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work and pay £320 court costs.

After the hearing, Jim Cockerton, chairman of Evesham United, said he was not aware of the court case.

He later contacted the Worcester News and said: “I don’t know what’s been going on.

“I’ve spoken with the manager and he (Brown) is not involved with the team at the moment.

"Until I know the full story I’m not prepared to comment about it.”

Brown joined Evesham last year from Romulus Football Club, who play in the Northern Premier Division.