A ‘SKILLED builder and mechanic’ built an underground pit to grow cannabis.

Noel Chalk built an underground chamber in his garden to grow the drug, a court heard.

The 38-year-old, of Testwood Place, Totton, also had a second space for growing drugs hidden behind shelves in his garden workshop.

Prosecution barrister, Francis Gaskin said: “Police attended Mr Chalk’s home address on the 18th of October of last year because they had information that he might have been involved in drugs.”

He added that the “cannabis pit was concealed quite effectively”.

Measuring around six foot cubed, “there was no indication of its presence until a rug was taken away”.

Concealed within there was a“mother plant” from which cuttings could be taken.

Chalk was described as plainly a skilled builder and mechanic of some capability.

Mr Gaskin told how in a separate workshop in his garden there was another location measuring around 4m x 5m.

This was hidden behind shelves and operated with an electric switch.

In total 28 plants were seized with a police drug expert suggesting a value of between £3,500 and £12,000.

Chalk was charged with being concerned in the supply of, and production of cannabis, to which he pleaded guilty.

Defending, Andy Houston, said his client’s wife suffers very real health problems.

He added: “He was already a cannabis user. He read about cannabis oil and the benefits that it can bring.”

Judge Christopher Parker QC said: “You have had a narrow shave.”

He jailed him for six months, suspended for 18 months.

Chalk must also complete 220 hours of unpaid work.