A teenager caught growing cannabis in his bedroom claimed it was to help him cope with depression.

Craig Edwards, 19, of Meadside, Dorchester, admitted growing seven cannabis plants in a cupboard at his parents' home when he appeared before Wantage magistrates yesterday.

Janice Davies, prosecuting, said police found the plants on May 27.

She said Edwards told them he was growing them for his own use to help with cope with depression.

Gordon Hotson, defending, said: "Cannabis was the only thing that seemed to help him."

Magistrates gave Edwards a 12-month conditional discharge, told him to pay £55 costs and ordered the plants to be destroyed.