A STONEHAUGH man has avoided prison after admitting to producing cannabis.

Gary Mayhew (63) of Kern Green, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court on October 3 and pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and abstracting electricity without authority. He was handed a six month sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120 and costs of £85. The court ordered the cannabis be forfeited.