A YOUNG dad who was growing 19 small cannabis plants in his cellar had walked free from court.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Jordan Simpson, 27, had never been in trouble before and was in full-time work.

The hearing was told Simpson was growing the drugs for his own use, but was now clean. He was given a chance by a judge, who warned him not to break the law again.

The defendant, of Burnley Road, Crawshawbooth, had admitted producing cannabis. He was given 20 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months.

Mark Stuart, for Simpson, said there was no other evidence such as lists or telephone traffic. He continued: “It’s not suggested for one moment he was going to supply it to anybody else but himself. It was the first time he had done it. He thought at least half would die.”

Sentencing, Recorder Kevin Talbot told Simpson he had had fans to help the plants grow, but no hydroponic system – and that may be one of the things that has saved him from what would otherwise be immediate custody.

The judge said if he concluded the set-up was sophisticated with a high level of potential yield, Simpson would have been locked up.

Recorder Talbot warned the defendant: “Make sure you commit no further offences and no further involvement in drugs in particular, as people will be watching you.”