A RADCLIFFE man caught with a large amount of cannabis told police he was acting as a warehouseman for dealers, a court was told.

Bolton Crown Court heard how police visited Declan O'Reilly's home in Stand Lane, Radcliffe, on December 1 last year to speak to his brother.

But while they were there they noticed a strong smell of cannabis and, after searching the property, found 806g of the drug and 124g of skunk.

Alistair Reid, prosecuting, said that, when questioned by police, 21-year-old O'Reilly told them: "I'm skint and I need money to help my mum."

O'Reilly claimed he was not growing or dealing the drugs, but was acting as a warehouseman, with others delivering the drug to his house and him keeping it until it was required.

He added that as soon as it was wanted, he would hand it over and receive a £500 payment.

O'Reilly pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

The court heard he has 16 previous convictions for 23 offences, including for possessing drugs and producing cannabis.

His latest offence was committed whilst already subject to a suspended prison sentence for assaulting a police officer.

But Judge Richard Gioserano heard a report from the probation service that O'Reilly is now trying to turn his life around and has moved to Heywood away from his former peer group.

The judge told O'Reilly that he had intended to send him to prison.

"The only reason you're not (going to jail) is what the probation officer has had to say about you," Judge Gioserano told O'Reilly.

Instead O'Reilly was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years.

He must also also comply with a rehabilitation order for at least 40 days and pay an £80 victim surcharge.