A GARDENER was jailed after admitting his part in growing cannabis plants allegedly worth more than £250,000.
Philip Hatton, 30, of Nixon Road, Cuddington, was sent to prison for 18 months by Judge John Rogers QC at Mold Crown Court last Wednesday.
Gary Prytherch, 47, of Wrexham and Andrew Ellis, 37, of Rhosymedre, were jailed for two years for their involvement with the operation.
Police had previously discovered 1,100 cannabis plants during a raid in a disused garage in Wrexham.
The court heard how Hatton had been employed as a gardener for a number of days during the operation but had not received any payment prior to the police raid.
Judge Rogers described it as a sophisticated operation. He said: “Until about the year 2000 cannabis was imported from the Caribbean or south east Asia.
“That is no longer the case. Cannabis is now grown in empty houses and empty commercial premises by investors prepared to spend substantial sums of money on equipment, electricity and organisation.
“Those who involve themselves in the growing of cannabis in that way inevitably face prison sentences.”
Prosecutor James Cullen said police raided a disused MOT garage with a house attached in Frog Lane, Wrexham, last month.
The barrister told the court that Hatton had been made redundant in February and had financial difficulties. Hatton was described as remorseful.
He said: “He made a wrong decision and got involved in this behaviour.”
The court heard how Hatton’s co-accused Prytherch and Ellis had earned £1,500 between them prior the raid. It was alleged that the cannabis factory was created because they suffered financial difficulties.
