A FORMER carpet fitter who used cannabis to ease chronic back pain was fined by a judge yesterday.

Andrew Collinson had cannabis and six temazepam tablets in his house when police executed a search warrant in September last year.

Yesterday, Collinson, 31, of Ilkley Grove, Hartlepool, appeared before Teesside Crown Court, where he had earlier admitted possession of cannabis.

Judge Peter Bowers fined him £100 with £210 costs.

Richard Gioserano, prosecuting, said Collinson admitted the drugs were for his own use.

Deborah Sherwin, for Collinson, said he had worked for a company fitting carpets but suffered chronic back pain.

He had been receiving medication for his back problem but it was inadequate for controlling his pain.

He tried cannabis and found it gave him some relief, and the temazepam helped too.

She said Collinson was hoping to return to work and intended to simply tolerate the pain.