A REAL-life Breaking Bad drug producer from Powys has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Shane Cousins hit the headlines after admitting growing cannabis plants at his Hen Neuadd home in Abercraf, near Ystradgynlais after losing his home and business following a cancer scare.

The 40-year-old was arrested in April following a tip-off and spilled all to the police about how he hoped to make enough money from the 23 cannabis plants he'd grown to pay for a family holiday.

In US crime drama Breaking Bad chemistry teacher Walter White built a class A drug crystal meth empire to pay for his cancer treatment.

At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, Cousins was handed an eight month prison sentence - but Judge Richard Twomlow agreed to suspend it for 18 months on condition he carry out 120 hours unpaid work and follow a probation service financial management course.

The judge told him he could have been jailed for up to three years for producing the plants, which are a class B drug. But the judge said he had made a guilty plea at his first appearance before magistrates in Brecon and he was at low risk of re-offending.

Judge Twomlow told Cousins: "In my opinion it is so serious only a prison sentence can be justified, and I will pass the shortest possible sentence of eight months but shall suspend it on condition you do not offend again during the next 18 months."

The earlier hearing at Brecon was told Cousins had lost his home and business following a cancer diagnoses. He later told a newspaper he had to have a lump removed from his neck, which turned out to be benign.

For the full story from today's sentencing hearing buy The Brecon & Radnor Express on sale from Wednesday, October 15.