A 61-YEAR-OLD man convicted of possessing a shotgun without a certificate has been given community service.

Ashley Crowther, who had also been growing cannabis plants amongst the tomatoes in a greenhouse at his farm, had earlier been cleared of two charges of making threats to kill after a trial at Burnley Crown Court. The defendant, of New Lane Farm, Winewall, Trawden, was alleged to have told two bailiffs he had a gun and then threatened to blow off their heads by ramming the weapon down their throats.

Police later found the shotgun, which although according to Crowther could not be fired, was in working order.

Crowther was given 120 hours' community service. He admitted cultivating cannabis.

Philip Standfast, defending, said from time to time the defendant liked "to plough his own furrow," but had to realise that he had got to do it within the law. He found that a little difficult to accept. The barrister had earlier told the court that Crowther was growing cannabis for an ill relative.