A MAN who ran a cannabis factory containing up to £75,000 worth of plants at his parents’ house was jailed for 16 months at Oxford Crown Court.

Habeeb Marham, of Britannia Wharf, Britannia Road, Banbury, admitted production of Class B drugs and permitting the production of Class B drugs at the house in Middleton Road, Banbury.

When police raided the home on February 9 this year, they found five rooms of 119 plants with an estimated value of £50,000-£75,000.

Marham, who is married with two children, was arrested on March 25 after his fingerprints were found on a dish containing cannabis and his DNA was found on a cigarette at the address.

The 45-year-old’s parents are in Pakistan.

James Lachkovic, defending, said: “Knowing a risk of custody today has been a punishment in itself.

“He saved up money to try to help his wife financially if he goes to prison today.

“We are dealing with an intelligent man, a hard working man.”

Judge Ian Pringle said: “It is clear that this was a commercial operation which you played a significant role in.

“It may have produced a crop worth between £50,000-£75,000 in due course.”