AN accident victim who was given thousands of pounds in compensation spent his payout on equipment to grow cannabis, a court heard.

Bolton Magistrates were told how 31-year-old George Branche decided to grow his own plants in a bid to save money spent with dealers.

But his plan proved costly when police executing a warrant made a search of his home in Waldeck Street, off Chorley Old Road, Bolton, on February 10 this year, and discovered the illegal plants as well as a wire bypassing his electricity meter.

Branche yesterday pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and abstracting electricity without authority.

Joanna White, prosecuting, told the court that when interviewed, Branche, who lives at the property with his girlfriend and sixmonth- old child, told police he had grown two crops of cannabis worth about £1,000 over the past 12 months.

“He said he had been involved in an accident, and with the money he got from that he bought the equipment to grow cannabis,” said Ms White.

Police also seized £1,400 in cash from the property, which Branche claimed was the residue of his £5,000 compensation payout, and will be the subject of a future proceeds of crime hearing.

Andrew Costello, defending, said unemployed Branche had grown the cannabis to support smoking about 17 joints a day, and now realised that he needs help to beat the habit.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until March 15, to allow pre-sentence reports to be prepared.