BOLTON magistrates have given a conditional discharge to a man who claimed he was using amphetamines in a bid to lose weight.

Jonathan Boardman, aged 38, of Moss Bank Way, Bolton, was searched by police in the early hours of January 13, and they found a small amount of cannabis on him.

A further search of his home revealed a small amount of amphetamine, worth £35.

Shazia Aslam, prosecuting, told the court Boardman told officers the cannabis belonged to his son and his own amphetamines were used once a month.

Adam Whittaker, defending, said Boardman had been foolishly been told by someone that taking the drug would give him energy to do exercise and lose weight.

Boardman, who pleaded guilty, told magistrates, “I am sorry for what I have done. I understand it’s unacceptable and a silly thing to do.”

As well as sentencing him to a conditional discharge for 12 months, magistrates ordered Boardman to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.