A 40-YEAR-OLD man from Penge has been jailed for growing cannabis.

Everton De Silva, of Woodbine Grove, was sentenced to eight months in prison at Croydon Crown Court after pleading guilty to producing cannabis.

Officers from the Penge and Cator Safer Neighbourhood Team approached his home after smelling a strong odour of the drug emanating from his flat.

They forced their way inside after De Silva refused to let them in, and came across a crop of approximately 50 plants along with growing equipment that included vent ducts and compost.