A PENNILESS builder who went out burgling also had a 30 plant cannabis farm at his home, a court was told.

Addict Daniel Storey, 29, raided a home on New Year's Eve while the victim was out, because he claimed to be desperate for cash. He took an off-road motorcycle, two air weapons and an Xbox.

Burnley Crown Court was told when police went to his home in Lower Barnes Street, Clayton-le-Moors, they discovered a large growing tent, containing the plants. The defendant, who has a previous conviction for being concerned in the production of 66 cannabis plants, admitted burglary and producing cannabis . He was locked up for nine months.

Michael Wallbank, prosecuting, said the burglary victim returned home at 5am to find his home had been forcibly entered.

The defendant was later arrested after the motorcycle was spotted in his back yard. In his front bedroom, police found the tent containing the plants. They also seized a lot of items associated with cannabis production.

Mr Wallbank said a forensic scientist described the growing technique used for the plants as sophisticated, but did not give an est-imated yield of drugs.

The prosecutor added the burglary victim felt paranoid about what had happened, was worried the culprit would return and was upset.

Adrian Williams, for Storey, said he had been a builder, but had been hit by the recession. He was desperate for money and couldn't afford food, let alone his rent, and arrears were building up. No doubt his cannabis use greatly contributed to the position he was in.

His mental health was rapidly deteriorating at the time, he had been drinking that night and had been wandering around in his depressed state. The solicitor added: “He was in a state of some despair and took the impulsive decision to break in.

“He says he no longer uses cannabis.

“He is remorseful. He is embarrassed and he is ashamed of his actions.”

Sentencing, Judge Beverley Lunt told Storey: “You were under the influence of cannabis, but you were prepared to produce cannabis, rather than give it up and all of that resulted in the victim not feeling safe in his own home."