Two next door neighbours narrowly avoided jail after police discovered a '£15,000' cannabis farm and a wire leading to an adjoining flat.
Jean-Pierre Emmanuelle, 52, and Kevin Pollitt, 59, were hauled before a judge, who warned the pair they'd be locked up if they failed to carry out unpaid work.
Police were called to a flat in Wythenshawe to reports of concern for welfare.
Emmanuelle was not at his flat on Hollyhedge Court Road, but police found that a room had been converted into a cannabis farm.
They discovered 26 plants which could have harvested just over a kilo of the class B drug.
The drugs could have potentially been worth up to £15,000 on the street, Manchester Crown Court heard.
The search also revealed an electric wire leading from Emmanuelle's home to Pollitt's flat next door.
Officers found Pollitt there and he was arrested.
Police were told that some cannabis had been thrown from the flat into the car park below.
Emmanuelle, who was arrested days later, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis, while Pollitt pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis.
"You came to your senses and you pleaded guilty," Judge Anthony Cross QC said
"Looking at this in the round, if I was to jail you I would be looking at about 18 months in prison, 12 months perhaps, of which you would serve half.
"You could probably do jail standing on your head, though I dare say you would have things to lose now.
"Just on balance I have decided not to jail you.
"If you don't do the work, I will jail you, I can't be fairer than that.
"I rather take the view that anybody can do the sort of work I see set, litter picking or working in a shop, it is easy work especially for men like you."
Pollitt was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. Emmanuelle received 15 months in prison, suspended for the same period.
Both were ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
