POLICE called to a Darwen house found a small piece of cannabis on the kitchen floor.

Blackburn magistrates heard how the discovery lead police to complete a full search and they found nearly a kilogram of the drug in an upstairs bedroom.

Kieren Michael McKenna, 24, of Greenway Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis. He was fined £200 with £100 costs.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said McKenna had been on bail since his arrest in June.

“He has answered that bail on seven occasions which may be a record,” said Mr Blacklidge.

“He has had this matter hanging over him for all that time and in the end is still charged with simple possession.”

He said McKenna, a self-employed plasterer and dry liner, had developed an addiction to cannabis and spent most of his spare cash on it.

“The large quantity found simply reflects the fact that he buys in bulk to save money,” said Mr Blacklidge.