A FATHER-OF-TWO who was caught growing cannabis which he said he would sell to his friends has been told by a judge that he has let his entire family down.

Burnley Crown Court heard that police had actually gone to Jamie Lonsdale's home at 6.30am on October 31, 2018, in relation to arrest enquiries to do with an unrelated matter which didn't result in any charges being brought.

Prosecuting, Stephen Parker said that when officers entered the house in Barnes Street, Clayton-le-Moors, they were met with a strong smell of cannabis coming from an upstairs bedroom.

Inside that bedroom police found a grow tent, a ducting system and 29.7 grams of cannabis from a previous grow which was drying.

When they searched a garage at the back of the property, they recovered 133.5 grams of cannabis.

The total value of cannabis found in both locations was between £1,200 and £1,660, a police expert estimated.

The court heard that £225 in cash was recovered from the scene.

Mr Parker said: "The indication from the defendant is that it was going to be a social supply to a small group of friends."

Lonsdale, 27, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Defending, Mark Stuart said: "After having a very bad start in regards his criminal activity in his teenage years he has since, having met his partner who sits at the side of court, completely turned his life around. He has not, until this, offended for a long time.

"His partner has had a very severe word with him already. He had not taken cannabis for 11 months and doesn't intend to take it again."

Sentencing Lonsdale to a 12-month community order with 200 hours unpaid work, Judge Richard Gioserano said: "You got into quite a bit of trouble as a teenager. I suspect people that know you thought that was all in your past. I suspect your partner hoped it was all in your past.

"You have got young girls now. How would you have felt if your partner had to go home today and tell then you weren't with her? Hold that thought please. It has been a close-run thing actually."

Lonsdale was ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay £75 prosecution costs. A further £225 was seized by police under the Misuse of Drugs Act.