A cerebral palsy sufferer found with cannabis at his home told a judge it eased his pain.

Kevin Michael Whittaker, 25, had had a 13 gram tub of cannabis bush and told police it was for his own personal use.

When he was questioned, he said he bought in bulk to stop getting bullied by drug dealers and because he got it at reduced cost, Burnley Magistrates heard.

Whittaker told the court he had been smoking cannabis since he was 12 and knew it was wrong. But, he continued: “It’s the only thing, bar medication that does help my back and my legs.”

The defendant, of Bowland Avenue, Burnley, admitted possessing cannabis on July 17, 2013. He was fined £50, with a £20 victim surcharge.