A MAN adopted' five cannabis plants rather than see them thrown out by a friend.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Gary Gibson's small-scale farm was uncovered by police and the plants would end up being destroyed after all.

Gibson, 37, of Hollin Bridge Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis. He was given a conditional discharge for 24 months and ordered to pay £60 costs.

The court heard the plants were kept in the bathroom of a house which Gibson would visit two or three times a week to tend to them.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Gibson had the tenancy of the house but had been living at his girlfriend's address.

"He was told a friend of a friend was leaving his family home and was going to have to throw the plants and a small amount of equipment away," said Mr Blacklidge.

"He volunteered his bathroom as a suitable nursery and installed the plants there.

"This was an opportun-ity that presented itself and curiosity got the better of him."