A MAN suffering a painful degenerative illness set up a secret cannabis farm in his attic, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Craig Gregory, 34, who was suffering from the muscle wasting disease fibromyalgia, felt prescription medication was doing him more harm than good and decided to try cannabis as an alternative.

Police who searched his home found 44 plants together with fans, high powered lighting, reflective paper, food and thermometers.

Seventeen plants were mature and there was a "mother" plant from which cuttings could be taken.

Gregory, of Woodbine Road, Burnley, admitted cultivating cannabis. He was given a three month curfew order, seven days a week, between 7pm and 7am.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, told the court police discovered a small room built specifically for cannabis growing inside the loft. It was not a completely professional set up, but it had an element of sophistication about it.

There were 26 small plants and a mother plant, which was unusual, as they were hard to grow. The defendant was arrested and when interviewed made a full and frank admission to growing cannabis.

Ian Bonney, defending, said Gregory had a muscle wasting disease and suffered spasms and pain. The cannabis growing was on a relatively small scale and the drugs were not for recreational use.

His doctor had given him anti-depressants, anti inflammatory drugs and pain killers but the defendant felt they were doing him more harm than good and were addictive. He decided to grow cannabis to cope with the pain and spasms.

Mr Bonney said: "I think his GP does accept cannabis has medicinal benefits to him. Rather than going out and buying drugs on a street corner or in a pub and committing crime to fund this treatment, he felt it more appropriate to set up his own system."

The solicitor said there was no suggestion the drugs were for anything other than personal use.

The defendant, who had held down a part-time job and was of "relatively good character" had tried to grow cannabis once before.

There was no suggestion he had by-passed his electricity meter.