A BT worker found with a large amount of cannabis in his garden shed told police he had bought it in bulk for personal use.

When officers raided Sam Critcher's home in Folkestone they discovered 149 grams - more than five ounces - of the Class B drug in the outbuilding.

The 31-year-old said he had purchased the cannabis for himself and was later charged with being in possession of the drug.

He admitted the offence when he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The court heard officers raided the property on June 23 last year under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Prosecutor Chelsea Clarke said Critcher had a previous conviction for drug-dealing in 2018 and was on a suspended sentenced for another offence.

"He made full and frank admissions that he buys it in bulk and uses it personally," she said of the cannabis stash.

The court heard Critcher, of Coombe Road, Folkestone, had been using cannabis because he had mental health issues, but that his habit was now under control.

His solicitor said he was no longer using drugs or alcohol and had stopped immediately after being arrested.

District Judge Justin Barron also heard Critcher had turned his life around and was working seven days a week after recently becoming a dad for the third time, and that police had found no evidence he had been supplying the drug.

A probation officer added Critcher was doing well on the suspended sentence he had been given for an assault and was attending appointments with staff.

Judge Barron decided to place Critcher on a four-month curfew, which will see him stay at home from 9pm to 4am each day apart from Sundays, when he is on call for his job.

He said: "You should be extremely careful and not be tempted to buy large amounts, or any drugs at all. You should have learned that lesson [already].

"You have a new baby and a new partner but have a demanding job. It seems to me things are looking up for you."

"You should be extremely careful and not be tempted to buy large amounts, or any drugs at all..."

"If you'd had a bad report [from probation], you'd be in custody for this."

Critcher was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £142, plus £85 costs.