Patrick Rosney, of Exeter Place, Northampton, admitted growing cannabis plants for his own use on August 7 when police officers arrived at his house with fire crews.

Rosney had fallen asleep while the chip pan was on at about 11.30pm.

Jess Hart, prosecuting, said: "The emergency services were called following reports of a fire.

"Officers smelled cannabis and informed the police officers in attendance. They discovered about 15 cannabis plants and then found a further 11 plants.

"He stated he had been drinking and that he had about 31 plants. It is accepted that this wasn't a commercial supply."

Ron Mineard, mitigating, told Northampton Magistrates' Court that Rosney's plants were as yet 'unsexed' so the value of cannabis was not known.

"It's only the female plants that are of any use; male plants do not provide any part that's of value in that way," he said.

"This was not a professional set-up.

"He grows cannabis because he smokes cannabis and it's the easiest way of providing himself with cannabis because it doesn't involve anyone else."

John Fairs, presiding magistrate, adjourned sentencing for a pre-sentence report but said Rosney would be looking at unpaid work and a drug assessment.

Mr Fairs said: "It's a persistent use and you have more than one or two plants.

"We believe you did this intentionally and the risk is to yourself from drug use."

Rosney, who is unemployed, faces two other unrelated public order charges at Northampton Magistrates' Court next week.