A Bristol man who set up a "significant" cannabis growing operation in his home has been jailed for two years and nine months.

A police raid in May last year led to the discovery of 60 plants growing in the loft of Paul Shepard's home in Stothard Road, Lockleaze, a court heard.

Shepard, 38, admitted producing 60 plants of the Class C drug and a second charge that between July 30, 2007 and May 22 last year, he extracted electricity worth £222.

His defence was that the drugs were for personal use rather than for commercial sale, but judge Martin Picton heard evidence at a trial of issue and ruled that it was a commercial concern.

Catherine Spedding, defending, told Gloucester Crown Court there was "nothing to suggest" Shepard had been receiving large amounts of money from dealing drugs.

Judge Picton said a 10-tonne press had been found at the address and there was a hydroponic set-up being powered by electricity which bypassed the meter.

Ms Spedding said Shepard had previous convictions a number of years ago but nothing relevant.

She said: "He's in full-time employment," adding that he has four children from a previous relationship – the oldest is 19 and the youngest is two. He also has another child due in July, she said.

She added that Shepard no longer took cannabis, which he initially started using for health purposes.

The sentence included six months concurrent for stealing electricity.