A couple who ran a semi-professional cannabis farm near Honiton were caught with plants capable of yielding £18,000 worth per crop.

Salih Eray and Lucy Mitchell were found out after police noticed a strong smell when they visited their former home in Combe Raleigh to check on Mitchell’s welfare.

They found a 19-plant growing area in an upstairs bedroom and another 18 seedlings in an outbuilding. A stash of harvested cannabis was also seized.

The pair told police they were planning to smoke it all themselves, but messages on Eray’s phone showed he was selling an ounce a time to a small circle of friends.

The potential yield of the plants was calculated by a police expert as being worth £6,000 to £18,000 and the harvested cannabis was worth £1,570 wholesale or £2,550 if divided into street deals.

Eray, aged 40, and Mitchell, aged 35, now both living in Trenant, Aberdare, both admitted being concerned in the production of cannabis. Eray also admitted being involved in supply.

A judge at Exeter Crown Court said cannabis is a potential killer because of its links to mental illness in teenagers - but spared them both immediate jail sentences.

Eray was jailed for 18 months, suspended for two years with 30 days of rehabilitation activities and 200 hours unpaid community work, while Mitchell was ordered to do 30 days of rehabilitation activities under an 18-month community order.

Judge Stephen Climie told them: “Whether you understand it or not, let me explain the reality of growing cannabis. You are killing people.

“We are watching young men, some just 12 or 13, going through the court system who are addicted to the new strains of cannabis which in all likelihood are going to be recategorised because of their strength.

 “They are creating devastating mental health problems, some of which you may be struggling with yourselves because of your own use.”

Miss Rachel Smith, for Eray, said he has moved away from Devon to South Wales where he has started his own cleaning business. He has reduced his own use of cannabis very greatly.

Miss Felicity Payne, for Mitchell, said she has addressed her drug use and mental health issues during the two weeks since the arrests. She is on medication for depression and poses a low risk of reoffending and good prospect of rehabilitation.