A HGV driver who grew £13,000 of cannabis was given a final chance by a judge and avoided prison.

Burnley Crown Court heard how father-of-two Kyle David Granite, 25, had set up a 'sophisticated' cannabis growing set up in the loft of of a mid-terrace house his girlfriend Ellie Rose McIntosh had rented in Clayton-le-Moors.

Granite, 25, of Bridge Street, Rishton, originally let McIntosh, 22, take the rap for the cannabis factory but when represented with forensic evidence pointing towards his guilty took sole responsibility, the court was told.

Prosecuting Emma Kehoe said: "Police executed a search warrant at an address in Maple Street, Clayton-le-Moors on May 6, last year. There was no one present at the time and officers had to force their way in. They found within the loft space what was described as a professional set up for the growing and production of cannabis plants.

"Within the space there were also seven transformers, two fans, plant food, a thermometer and a number of magazines about the production of cannabis."

In total police found 23 plants weighing 920 grams. The court heard that experts said if sold in individual 0.7 gram deals, the cannabis had a street value of £13,140.

The court heard police called McIntosh, of Barnes Street, Clayton-le-Moors, in for a voluntary interview after finding her name on the rental agreement for the property.

McIntosh, a full-time student who has previously worked in the care industry, originally told police she was responsible for the drugs and her partner had nothing to do with it.

Ms Kehoe said McIntosh was forced to change her story when police found a fingerprint belonging to Granite on a transformer in the loft. At that point Granite took responsibility and said he was solely responsible for the cannabis set up.

Granite, who has previous convictions for wounding with intent, actual bodily harm, theft and possessing a Class B drug, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis.

McIntosh, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to allowing her premises to be used for the production of cannabis.

Defending both defendants, Alex Rostron, said Granite had turned his life around and appealed to the judge to show leniency.

He said: "This is a young man who has been troubled in his youth which led to a very difficult upbringing. His father took his own life when he was 16.

"Now he is a man who has matured. He is now working full-time and has qualified as a HGV driver. He is earning money to provide for his two children."

Mitigating for McIntosh, Mr Rostron, said: "She allowed her premises to be used as she was in a relationship with Mr Granite."

Judge Jonathan Gibson deferred Granite's sentence for six months but warned him if he committed any further offences in that period immediate custody would be inevitable.

McIntosh was fined £200, told to pay £100 costs and the statutory victim surcharge.