A MAN’S home cannabis farming operation has now cost him £100,000 following a crime proceeds court agreement, almost two years after his conviction.

Alan Nicholson, now 48, of Taylor Avenue, Bearpark, near Durham, was given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years, at the city’s crown court, in September 2012.

He was also ordered to perform 200 hours unpaid work, after admitting producing cannabis and possessing the class B drug with intent to supply, at a previous hearing at the court, on August 31 that year.

But with the approach of the two-year limit following conviction for a proceeds of crime confiscation settlement, the case returned to court.

Shaun Dodds, for the prosecution, told the hearing: “It won’t be necessary to call any evidence in the case as the benefit figure has been agreed at £100,000, and the amount available is £100,000, so a confiscation order can be made in that sum.

Paul Cross, for Nicholson, agreed with the figure put forward by Mr Dodds.

Judge Penny Moreland made an order for the confiscation of £100,000, with the defendant given six months to pay, or risk up to two years in prison, in default.