A "DISHONEST" teenager found with cannabis could have been cautioned by police, Burnley magistrates heard.

Daniel Ross' solicitor told the court although the defendant had a number of previous convictions, all were for dishonesty and it was surprising he was not cautioned.

Ross, 18, of Girvan Grove, Burnley, was conditionally discharged for 12 months after admitting possessing cannabis.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police searched a house and found Ross underneath a bunk bed and a piece of cannabis resin. Ross had 24 convictions in the last six years, but none for drugs.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said he was surprised the defendant was not cautioned.

Somebody else arrested in the house had two previous cautions for possessing cannabis and got another. Ross had no previous convictions for drugs.

Mr Tindall went on: "The police chose to prosecute this matter rather than dealing with it by the cheaper way of a caution, but it is up to them who they caution."

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