A MAN who was wrestled to the floor and arrested after firefighters discovered a cannabis factory in his home has been sentenced.

Basildon firefighters discovered the hydroponics set up in Martin Raigner’s flat in Holgate, Pitsea, after putting out the blaze.

Police officers were called and Raigner arrived as officers were searching his home. He had to be forcibly restrained when he became agitated about his birds and aviary.

He was forced to the floor, handcuffed and had his legs bound during the arrest on June 24.

The 41-year-old appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to one count of producing cannabis.

He also admitted one count of being abusive to RSPCA officers who were called to look at his aviary.

He apologised to the court for his manner and said it was due some of the eggs being disturbed so they did not hatch.

Raigner, who initially represented himself, said: “There were only five mature plants in the hydroponics system and it was for my own personal use, and then there were different sizes.”

The court heard he used the cannabis to help him sleep after having years of problems, including homelessness and unemployment.

Prosecutor James Burnham told the court the plants, some of which were not fully grown or flowering, had a potential street value of £4,200.

He added: “This was the defendant’s third yield of cannabis.

“There is a previous conviction for a similar offence.”

Chairman Nigel Le Gresley accepted the plants were for Raigner’s personal use after asking for a presentence report from the probation service.

He was given an 18-month community order and ordered to pay £75 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.