A cannabis addict who was caught with over a kilo of the drug at his home has been jailed for two years.

The cannabis, worth between £12,120 and £24,240 on the street, was seized by police in a raid on March 22 this year.

Caleb Hamilton, of Boundary Road, Chatham, admitted possessing the drug with intent to supply and possessing it and amphetamine on another occasion.

Liam Edwards, defending, said he did not accept it was a case of street dealing, but a judge said the quantity was significant.

“He is a heavy user of cannabis,” said Mr Edwards. “He was effectively holding the cannabis. He was going to move that on to others. He is deeply ashamed.

“His mother is ill. She will miss him greatly. His greatest mitigation is his guilty plea. He is making efforts to address his addiction.”

Passing sentence, Judge Adele Williams said: “The aggravating feature is there were three children living in the premises. Your partner was dragged into the proceedings.

“The offence was committed while you were on bail for other offences.”

The 39-year-old father was jailed for 12 months in 2014 for possessing the drug with intent to supply.

After sentencing, Detective Constable Helen King said: "Officers found a large amount of cannabis which was clearly not for personal use so although he claimed this was the case he realised that this lie would be found out and subsequently pleaded guilty.

"He was operating in order to make a profit and did not care about the effect these drugs could have on people and their families.

"I’m pleased he has received a significant sentence and I hope this deters others who may think they can profit from this type of crime, ultimately crime does not pay."