Police officers who were investigating a suspected burglary at an industrial unit in Hadleigh discovered a large cannabis factory, a court has heard.

East Anglian Daily Times: Oliver Little, 25, of Halstead. Picture: SUFFOLK CONSTABULARYOliver Little, 25, of Halstead. Picture: SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY (Image: Archant)

More than 1,000 cannabis plants were found on a specially-built mezzanine floor in the rented unit at Orchard Court in Crockett Road, Hadleigh, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

An expert estimated the plants could have yielded between 28 and 84 kilograms with a potential value of between £70,000 and £210,000.

Before the court was Oliver Little, 25, of Whitlock Drive, Halstead, who admitted being involved in the production of cannabis in April 2015 and was jailed for six-and-a-half years.

The court heard that police officers discovered the cannabis factory while investigating a burglary at the premises and found that steps had been taken to hide it behind what appeared to be a legitimate business.

Gary Pons, mitigating for Little, said his client deeply regretted what he had done.