A LEAKING irrigation system put paid to Michael Brockley's plans to grow a crop of cannabis plants.

When water began dripping into the lower flat, workmen forced the door and found 52 immature plants complete with a custom watering system.

But, despite the number of plants found, Brockley was sentenced on the basis that the cannabis was for his own use.

Judge Gillian Ruaux had asked the police to place a valuation on the cannabis crop at a previous hearing, but they had failed to comply in time.

Brockley had turned up three times at court for sentence -- only to see it adjourned each time because the police had not produced a valuation for the court.

Judge Ruaux told Brockley that, had it been proved that the plants were destined for onward sale to others, he would have been jailed.

Yesterday, father-of-four Brockley, aged 32, of Crompton Close, Radcliffe, appeared at Bolton Crown Court yesterday for sentence. He admitted one charge of cultivating cannabis.

Prosecutor Julian Taylor said that Brockley had grown 52 plants and installed an irrigation system.

Brockley was ordered to complete a 240-hour Community Punishment Order and to pay £100 towards prosecution costs.