April 12, 2001 12:00: A CANNABIS grower, found to have 120 plants in his Anerley home, has escaped a jail sentence.

Officers stormed the house, in Lansdowne Place, to discover all the sophisticated and expensive equipment needed for cultivating cannabis.

Appearing at Croydon Crown Court, Michael Coward, aged 38, of Lansdowne Place, Anerley, pleaded guilty to growing the drug but claimed it was purely for his own use.

Prosecuting, Simon Taylor told how officers had gone to Coward's home on February 12.

He said: "The plants were in a various stages of growth.

"It took police seven-and-a-half hours to complete their search of the premises.

"There were several books and pamphlets on how to grow cannabis and details of web sites.

"Also found was some seeding equipment."

Coward was not in at the time of the raid, but returned soon afterwards and was arrested.

He told police his health had started to deteriorate 10 years ago, and he began to grow a few plants as a painkiller.

Defending, Sarah Morris said Coward was not producing the cannabis to supply to others.

It was for his own use and, she added, this had been accepted by the prosecution.

She said Coward had arthritic pain, which had been confirmed by his GP.

Coward had also injured his back in an accident.

Coward was ordered to carry out 120 hours community service and to pay £250 costs.

Passing sentence, Mr Recorder Henry Turcan told Coward he was lucky to avoid a jail sentence.

He said: "I make it abundantly clear that if you continue to take cannabis in this way you are liable to lose your liberty."

Matthew Skinner