An arthritis sufferer claimed he was just following his doctor's orders when he was arrested for possessing cannabis.

Police found seven cannabis seedlings and four mature plants in the home of Bram Lawrence on Luke Close, New Costessey when carrying out door-to-door enquiries on March 23.

On Tuesday Norwich Crown Court was told Lawrence, 43, used the cannabis as a pain relief for his arthritis.

He was sentenced to 70 hours of unpaid work.