A MAN caught growing cannabis during a Christmas Eve police raid was using the drug to alleviate pain, a court heard.

Duane Haslam was not at his terraced Bury Road, Bolton, home on December 24 when police found two bedrooms being used to cultivate 20 plants.

Lindsay Thomas, prosecuting, told the court how officers discovered two foil lined tents erected in bedrooms which were being used to grow the drug.

The plants being grown had a potential street value of £8,000 and cannabis, worth £1,000 was also stored in a tin and glass jars in the living room.

Under a bed, officers found £3,000, which Haslam claimed was cash received in compensation for a serious motorbike accident.

Mrs Thomas added that 43-year-old Haslam had previous convictions for possessing and dealing drugs, including a four year jail sentence.

Haslam had told probation staff that it was "highly likely" that he would continue using cannabis, which he claimed was more successful in controlling pain he still has after his 2007 accident.

But Peter Cunliffe, defending, said Haslam has now had his medication increased by his doctor and has only used cannabis once or twice since his arrest.

Haslam pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and possessing the drug.

Recorder Michael Blakey sentenced Haslam to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months with supervision for 18 months.

He added that he hoped the probability of jail if Haslam is to use cannabis again will deter him.

A proceeds of crime hearing related to the case was listed to take place on January 15.