A WINCHESTER man has avoided prison after being caught growing cannabis.

William James Oakley, 27, of Woodhams Farmhouse, Springvale Road, Kings Worthy, has been sentenced for cultivating the drug, possessing it with intent and possessing criminal property, namely £2,170 in cash.

Oakley was jailed for 17 weeks, but the sentence was suspended for 12 months when he appeared at the city crown court.