POLICE who raided the home of a serving Royal Marine discovered a cannabis production facility in a bedroom.

Blackburn magistrates heard Antonio Christopher Quinn had voluntarily left the forces as a result of depression which was behind his use of cannabis.

Quinn, 25, of Anchor Grove, Darwen, pleaded guilty to producing 14 plants. He was made subject to a community order with a 40 day rehabilitation activity requirement, ordered to do 60 hours unpaid work and pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge, by Blackburn magistrates.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said police found a tent in the bedroom with heating, lighting and irrigation.

"He has clearly invested in equipment to produce these plants but the police are satisfied there was no evidence of supply," said Miss Allan.

Imran Hussain, defending, said his client had served his country as a Marine and had done a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2013.

"He has had to leave because of depression and the cannabis was a form of release from the problems he had," said Mr Hussain.