A FATHER sold cannabis to friends so he could supply his son and help him come off heroin, a court was told.

But a 16-year-old boy was seen entering the house and when stopped by police he was carrying two small pieces of cannabis resin.

Kevan Williams was later arrested by police. He pointed out where he kept the cannabis which he said he bought for a group of friends who all chipped in to pay for the drug.

But the bulk of the cannabis was kept by Williams so he could use it to help his son wean himself off heroin.

Williams, aged 40, of Wigan Road, Westhoughton, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence after earlier admitted possessing cannabis and possession with intent to sell.

The court heard that police spotted a 16 year-old boy entering the flat in Wigan Road. A few minutes later he was seen to leave.

He was found to be in possession of two small pieces of cannabis weighing about five grammes.

Officers recovered £14.50 and five pieces of cannabis weighing about 53 grammes when they raided Williams' flat.

Recorder Robert Fordham QC sentenced Williams to 80 hours Community Punishment Order and 12 months Community rehabilitation Order with a proviso he attend the rigorous Think First Programme.