Cannabis fan 'saved man's life'

Andrew Hill said the fan by his cannabis plants helped save his life

A drug user has claimed a fan blowing fresh air across his cannabis plants helped save his life during a fire.

Andrew Hill, 29, was asleep when the blaze swept through flats above a shop in Sackville Road, Bexhill, on 27 August, killing a 54-year-old woman.

Police found the plants in his home after he was evacuated when the fire broke out in the neighbouring property.

Appearing before Hastings Magistrates on Wednesday, he admitted cultivating cannabis. Sentencing was adjourned.

A 54-year-old woman died in the fire above a shop in Bexhill

Hill, an unemployed painter and decorator, was arrested by police outside his flat following the discovery of 20 "White Rhino" and "AK47" plants in his bedroom during the evacuation of the buildings.

He said the fan kept the smoke out of his room until he woke up and realised what was happening.

His neighbour, Sheila Hill, who is no relation, died in the fire, while three other people, including a young boy, were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.

More than 70 firefighters spent more than five hours tackling the fire, which started just after 0840 BST.

The fire is still being investigated by detectives.