An arthritis sufferer grew cannabis in a dedicated “growing room” to help reduce pain in his joints.

William Durrant, 60, of Andros Close, South Chailey, pleaded guilty to growing eight cannabis plants at his home near Lewes but claimed that the drug helped to relieve pain in his body.

Police officers visited his house on February 28 and discovered the plants along with growing equipment and two small tubs of herbal cannabis.

Officers also found a notepad containing instructions on how to grow the drug.

Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard how Mr Durrant, a labourer, told police that he grew the plants and smoked them to help alleviate his back pain.

Mr Andrew Parr, defending, said that Mr Durrant also grew the drug because he did not want to buy it from people on the street.

He said: “As soon as he found out officers were at his house he left work right away.

“He worked in a different county but came back to help the police, where he was brutally honest.

“He suffers from arthritis in his neck, back and elbows.

“He is a labourer and has been for 30 years, it is all he knows.

“He works from 7am in the morning to 5.30pm in the afternoon five days a week, which aggravates the pain.

“He did not want to go out and purchase it from people on the street. He tells me the cannabis you usually buy on the street is skunk and it is far too strong for him.”

Prosecutors said Mr Durrant had previously been caught in possession of cannabis but it was accepted that he grew it for personal use.

The court heard that Mr Durrant grew chilli peppers and various other herbs in the “grow room”.

Officers destroyed the plants, his tubs of cannabis and his growing equipment.

He was fined £380, told to pay a £38 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.