Drug user Christopher Walton served up sausages laced with cannabis to fellow users when they visited his home, a Court heard yesterday.

The 51-year-old, who does not agree with the existing legislation outlawing the Class B drug, told police that he also put cannabis in other foods such as biscuits, cakes and stews.

When Recorder John Evans queried whether Walton's guests realised they were eating drug-laced sausages his barrister Tom Storey confirmed they did.

Mr Storey told Bradford Crown Court: "The people who he supplied are people who have a similar attitude, it has to be said, towards the drug that Mr Walton does."

Walton's secret ingredient came to light after officers executed a search warrant at his home in Strong Close Way, Keighley, last June.

Prosecutor David McGonigal said as well as finding 12 cannabis plants growing in his greenhouse, officers also discovered almost £500 of the drug in a tub in the freezer.

A small quantity of amphetamine was also recovered and traces of cocaine were found on a plastic container.

Mr Storey said the amphetamine and cocaine had been used by guests who had attended Walton's birthday party two days before the police raid.

Mr McGonigal said that during his police interview Walton, who has previous drug-related convictions, admitted being a regularly user of the drug and said he was growing his own so he would have a year's supply.

"He wouldn't just smoke it - he put it in foods such as sausages, cakes, biscuits and stews,'' said Mr McGonigal.

He confirmed there was no suggestion of any commercial element in Walton's activities.

Walton, now of Devonshire Street, Keighley, pleaded guilty to offences of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and producing the drug.

He also admitted possession of amphetamine and cocaine.

Recorder Evans said Walton could not complain if he was sent to prison, but he had decided that a combination of community service work and a community rehabilitation order, involving an enhanced thinking skills programme, an appropriate alternative.

"What does concern me and may concern courts in the future is the fact you obviously have difficulties coming to terms with the fact that the law outlaws the possession of cannabis and accordingly because you have difficulties coming to terms with that concept there is a high risk of you committing further offences in the future,'' he said.

"I sincerely hope this order works and this court and no other court will have reason to sentence you afresh for these offences."