A BUSINESSMAN who made �150,000 by selling cannabis growing equipment over the internet is set to lose his home, after a judge ordered him to sell the property and hand over the proceeds.

Jason Kirby - who was jailed for 14 months last year - has been told he should hand over cash within six months or face another 18-month sentence.

At Derby Crown Court, Judge Michael Fowler heard how Kirby sold literature, growing systems and equipment for the cultivation of cannabis through his business, Thermal Grow UK.

In the Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, the Judge was told that Kirby owned the house with his partner, and his share of its sale was likely to realise around �63,750.

Under the Act, anyone who profits from crime can lose the financial and lifestyle gains they have enjoyed.

Kirby was tracked down by Derbyshire police on the back of a case involving two men who were charged with running a city hydroponics business, the court was told. Police said paperwork found in that investigation alerted them to Kirby’s internet business being run in Cambridgeshire.

Back in May 2009, Kirby, 40, of New Road, Chatteris, admitted conspiring to incite the production of cannabis between 2005 and 2006. Derby Crown Court had heard that equipment sold by Kirby clearly indicated it was for growing cannabis. Kirby’s warehouse was used to store equipment including a hydroponics growing system,

In 2007, Cambridgeshire police launched raids on both Kirby’s house and warehouse. Following the raid on his home, Kirby appeared before Fenland magistrates and admitted possessing cannabis, a drug he had used since the age of 12. He said he had sought counselling and was determined to kick the habit.