A workshop tenant who fell behind with his rent turned to growing cannabis inside the premises in an attempt to cover his debts.
The grow was uncovered after the landlord and two bailiffs attended the property, in Forest Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, on 1 December 2023.
Police were called to the address where 63 plants were found in two areas of the workshop along with growing equipment, including lights and fans.
The grow was dismantled and later that day officers stopped a car in Parliament Street and arrested the driver – 54-year-old Simon King – in connection with the grow.
King, of HMP Nottingham, was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to production of cannabis when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday 3 January 2024. He also admitted breaching a suspended sentence order.
The court heard that the seized cannabis had a potential street value of up to £53,000 if it had been sold as individual deals.
King was jailed for two years and 10 months – and he will be subject of a Proceeds of Crime Act application later this year.
Detective Sergeant Clint Gloyn, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“Drug offences have a detrimental impact on the community and have the potential to have severe consequences.
“I hope the outcome of this case serves as a reminder to the public that we treat crimes of his nature very seriously.
“The production and distribution of drugs have a negative impact on people’s lives and can often be linked to other serious offences.
“That’s why we remain as committed as ever to taking illegal drugs off our streets and bringing drug offenders like King to justice.”
Mansfield 103.2 Afternoon News - 211124
