A CWMBRAN man who had nearly 2,000 diazepam tablets in his possession has been sentenced to a community order.

Andrew Jenkins, aged 41, of Monmouth House, The Mall, Cwmbran, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court yesterday for the production of Class B drug cannabis and possession with intent of a controlled Class C drug diazepam.

Jenkins had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

Michael Jones, prosecuting, told the court that on November 3, 2014, at 4.30pm, Gwent Police officers executed a search warrant for Jenkins' address where they found drug paraphernalia including needles and syringes scattered around.

The defendant then handed officers a package of multiple boxes containing 1,935 tablets of diazepam - worth between £1,000 and £2,000.

Officers also found six cannabis plants growing on the top floor of the property which Jenkins said were his 'hobby' and were for his personal use as he wanted 'decent weed before Christmas.'

He denied it was his intention to supply the diazepam tablets and said they were to help him get off heroin.

He told police he had a regular heroin habit for the best part of 20 years.

Police also found messages on his phone indicating his intention to supply the tablets.

Jenkins has 30 previous convictions for 78 offences including possession of amphetamines and production of cannabis. In 2000 he was imprisoned for 18 months for being concerned with the supply of Class A drugs.

He was also fined in 2011 for possession of crack cocaine.

Meirion Davies, defending, said: "He is clearly trying something to some degree which is right in my respectful submission as the level of offences have diminished in the last 10 years."

"In my respectful submission this man is in the grip of a drug habit and still needs help. He had done quite a lot in recent years and it's encouraging that this is in the right direction."

Judge Philip Richards sentenced Jenkins to a 12 month community order. He will have a curfew of 8pm to 7am for 16 weeks and will be subject to a 12 month supervision order.

He will also pay a victim surcharge £60.