Police discovered a cannabis farm at a woman's home after she called 999 to report a domestic incident.
Officers attended Sarah Thomas' home in Cardiff on May 26 last year after receiving a call complaining about an incident involving a man.
When they arrived at the house in Crossways Road, Ely, they found a bedroom door which had been locked from the outside. They asked Thomas, 32, what was behind the door and she said there was cannabis.
A search of the room resulted in 12 large cannabis plants being discovered inside a large black tent surrounded by headlamps and large extension leads. An electrical engineer was called to the property and confirmed the electricity meter had been bypassed.
Thomas was arrested and initially gave no comment but the defendant, now of Heol Carnau, Caerau, later pleaded guilty to permitting premises to be used for cannabis production and dishonestly using electricity without authority.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard Thomas had a number of ex-partners who had taken advantage of her which had led to her offending. She is now in contact with Women's Aid who are assisting her.
Sentencing, Record Patrick Upward QC said: "It's well-recognised people who involve themselves in growing cannabis plants can expect serious punishment but your case is unusual.
"I accept you're not doing it as the prime mover but at the behest of someone you were frightened of. You have suffered considerably and I'm not going to send you to prison."
Thomas was sentenced to a 12-month community order and was ordered to undertake a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
