A DRUG user caught growing cannabis said he needed it for back pain.

Jobless Richard Lashington, of Winton Street, Lockwood, told magistrates he would rather grow his own than pay a dealer.

Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court heard how police had found eight plants when they went to the house on January 2 on an unrelated matter.

They also found a range of hydroponics equipment used to cultivate the drug.

Alex Johnson, prosecuting, said: “He admitted growing it for personal use.

“He said he had a spinal injury and used the plants to relieve the pain.”

Bob Carr, mitigating, said his client had a degenerative spinal condition.

In a statement to police, Lashington, 43, said: “I grow a bit of cannabis for my back pain. It will last me for about six months.

“I have a ruined back – it’s knackered and the doctor is aware of it.

“I’m not prepared to line a drug dealer’s pockets so I grow my own.”

He was given a six-week curfew order, during which he must be at home from 7pm to 7am.