TENANTS in a block of bedsits alerted their landlady to a cannabis factory after complaining they could smell the drug, a court heard.

The landlady called police in January after going into Prasanga Algamagedon’s room at the property in Somerset Road, Heaton, and finding cannabis plants drying out on newspaper next to the bed, Michael Knowles, prosecuting, told Bolton Crown Court.

A total of 1.3kg of cannabis was recovered, worth an estimated £12,650, together with snap bags and scales.

Algamagedon was arrested and, in court, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Denise Fitzpatrick, defending, said Algamagedon had got into debt after being offered a job as a pizza delivery man, but needing to buy a car in order to take up the employment.

“Unwisely, he agreed to store and dry cannabis for another man,” she said.

Judge Timothy Stead, who sentenced Algamagedon to eight months in prison, suspended for two years and 12 months supervision, said: “It seems, through possible poverty, possible misfortune, he has fallen into the hands of people who would lead him into crime.”

The judge was told Algamagedon hopes to make a new life away from Bolton.

“I hope you are successful in making a fresh start,” the judge said.