A JUDGE warned that young people were getting mixed messages about the use of drugs as she sentenced a 59-year-old grandfather for possession of 175 grammes of cannabis.

Thomas Walmsley, of Fairsnape Avenue, Longridge, pleaded guilty to offences of supplying cannabis, possession with intent to supply, simple possession and also possessing amphetamine at Preston Crown Court.

He was placed on 12 months community rehabilitation when he appeared for sentence before Judge Pamela Badley.

Jeffrey Samuels, prosecuting, said police searched Walmsley's address in March last year after another man came out and was found to be in possession of cannabis resin.

Quantities of the drug were found in various parts of the property. A large amount of vegetable matter was found on a kitchen unit.

The total amount of cannabis resin found was just over 175 grammes. Some of the drug was wrapped in clingfilm. Police also found some amphetamine.

Walmsley went on to tell police he was owed £320 by a friend who didn't have enough to pay the debt. He was therefore offered and accepted some cannabis as payment.

He had previous convictions, a couple for drug related offences. He said he had been careful to hide the drugs away from grandchildren.

Defence barrister Julie Taylor explained that Walmsley had been a cannabis user for a very long time. What possibly started as social use became a near dependence on the drug.

He had taken it to alleviate symptoms of back pain and also anxiety. He also took it to try and stop himself drinking heavily.

In passing sentence Judge Badley said: "The supply of cannabis is against the laws of this country. Young people are getting very mixed messages in relation to the use of drugs.

"Cannabis is a drug which has its own problems. It certainly isn't free of side effects. It is also a drug which can very often lead to the use of harder drugs".