A 60-YEAR-OLD man who grew cannabis which he then distributed to family and friends has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Preston Crown Court heard that when police raided the Darwen home of Paul Anthony Wareing on April 10 they found 22 cannabis plants.

But in interview he told officers that nine other plants had been taken by others or stolen.

The court heard that during the raid police found a “sophisticated” set-up including extractor fans and a tent. He was also extracting electricity.

Wareing, of Walmsley Street, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and extracting electricity.

Sentencing Wareing to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, Judge Andrew Woolman, said: “This offence crosses the custody threshold but because you are 60, your lack of similar convictions and because you have been frank with the police I am prepared to suspend it.”

Wareing was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, as well as paying the statutory victim surcharge.

A destruction and forfeiture order was made for the drugs and paraphernalia.