Police acting on a tip-off discovered a cannabis cultivation set-up.

Blackburn magistrates heard the potential yield from the 18 plants was around £5,200.

Mark Rawcliffe, 48, of Middlesex Avenue, Burnley, admitted to producing cannabis. He was given a 12-month community order with 220 hours unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said there had been a considerable delay in the case coming to court and that had worked to the defendant’s advantage.

“It has given you the opportunity to deal with the issues in your life,” said District Judge Preston. “I note you have stopped using cannabis and that is to be commended.”

Sausheela Regala, prosecuting, said police attended the defendant’s home after receiving information about the possible cultivation of cannabis. They forced entry and discovered 18 plants being grown in a bedroom. There was no-one present but post was addressed to Rawcliffe.

Mark Williams, defending, said the cannabis was for his client’s personal use.