A drugs raid yielded a lucky result for an Epsom musician when police found instruments he reported stolen seven years ago.

The keyboard and seven expensive guitars were found in a home in Pretson Lane, Tadworth, along with cannabis plants.

They were reported stolen in April 2009, the raid took place on June 1, 2016, and the trial finished last month.

The owner of the instruments said: “We had effectively given up hope of ever getting the instruments back, but we’re delighted that they have now been returned.”

Simon David Morris, 52, of Preston Lane, was arrested there and later charged with producing a Class B drug and handling stolen goods.

A three-day trial at Guildford Crown Court concluded on December 15, with Morris admitting growing and producing cannabis, and being found guilty of handling stolen goods.

He received a 12 months sentence, suspended for 18 months, and must do 120 hours of unpaid work and take 40 days of rehabilitation.

PC Wendy Kimber from Reigate and Banstead Neighbourhood Team, said: “This was an exceptional result and we are thrilled to be able to reunite these highly valued items with their rightful owner.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people how important it is to insure, take photographs, make notes of item codes and securely mark your valuable possessions as you never know where they could turn up.”

The owner of the instruments paid tribute to PC Kimber for explaining the process and putting him at ease.