Man was pressured to allow cannabis to be grown at home

Jonathan Hardman, 26, of Preston Road, Clayton-le-Woods, admitted producing 104 cannabis plants.

Hardman, wearing a grey suit, sat calmly in the dock at Preston Crown Court as Judge Andrew Woolman heard he had pleaded guilty on the basis he had got himself into debt and was “prevailed upon” to let people grow the drugs in his home.

Prosecuting, Carl Horgan said: “Police attended his address on Preston Road on August 10 last year. The defendant was there and the police could smell cannabis.

“They said they suspected him of growing cannabis in the attic. He said: “No, it’s in the bedrooms.’

“He said it was for his own use as he didn’t want to buy from drug dealers.

“Two bedrooms were converted into grow rooms with associated equipment.”

Workers from the electricity board had to attend the scene and make the power supply safe, the court heard.

Hardman’s defence lawyer said he was a young man previously of good character.

Judge Andrew Woolman, imposing 12 months suspended for two years, said: “It is serious, but you had a lesser role. It seems to me you may well have learned your lesson.”

He must pay a £100 surcharge.