A policewoman who searched a cannabis factory on a Monmouthshire farm told a jury yesterday (Tuesday 9th Apri) that it stank of the drug.

"The smell at the units was very strong," said PC Claire Young in evidence at Gloucester Crown Court.

"I have searched a number of cannabis factories and that one stuck out particularly because of the smell.

"I had too wash my jacket several times to get rid of the smell."

PC Young was giving evidence against Philip Johns, 58, of Wilcae Terrace, Raglan, who owns Glannau Farm, Lydart.

He and co-defendant Paul Gibbard, 35, of School Mews, Matson, Gloucester, deny conspiring together and with others to produce almost £400,000 worth of cannabis at three sites including Glannau Farm.

They are said to have been the henchmen of the plot mastermind, Andrew O;Donnell, of Tenbury Wells, Worcs, who has fled abroad since his arrest.

Gibbard admits producing cannabis on a smaller scale at his own home on 13th July 2012.

Another man, Robert Ockleton, 23, of Swallow Crescent, Innsworth, near Gloucester, has admitted his role in the plot and is not involved in the trial.

Prosecutor Ian Dixey told the jury at the start of the case that police raided Glannau Farm and found a large plantation of cannabis growing in three portakabins.

Similar hydroponic growing operations were found in the Forest.

Yesterday the jury heard evidence of the police raids and arrests of the defendants.

Det Con Colin Parker said he was part of the police team which raided Johns's farm on 8th May last year.

There were false walls and secret doors leading to the cannabis growing in the portakabins, he said.

He agreed that there were old vehicles including a bus on the site and that it generally looked like an eyesore.

Ventilation filters prevented the smell of cannabis escaping out of the portakabins but when they were switched off there was a strong odour, he said.

Police intelligence analyst Kimberley Kinsley told the court that checks of mobile phones used by both defendants showed they had reguarly been in contact with each other and with O'Donnell. They were also in touch with Ockleton, who has admitted his role in the plot.

The trial continues.