House fire foils cannabis growers
A cannabis factory was discovered in an attic by firefighters who were tackling a roof blaze, a court has been told.
Fire investigators found reflective material, wiring and heaters set up for growing cannabis plants.
Carl Harman, 24, and 25-year-old Brian Smith were arrested at the scene of the blaze in Monks Road, Exeter, Devon, in the early hours of 20 July.
Both admitted possessing 34 cannabis plants and were bailed for pre-sentence reports by magistrates in Exeter.
The court was told flames engulfed the loft space and roof at the house, but crews were able to prevent the fire spreading to adjoining properties.
Firefighters spent seven hours tackling the blaze which damaged 90% of the roof space.
A washing line was being used to dry out cannabis plants, the court heard.
Builder Harman told police in interview: “I am not going to buy dodgy drugs off dodgy dealers.”
Harman grew about 20 plants twice a year to support his own £50 a day cannabis use, prosecutor Karen Ball said.
Smith said he helped his friend to harvest the plants.
Rachel Bentley, defending the pair, said: “This was a cottage garden industry to supply their own drugs needs.
“They were not cultivating for commercial reasons.”
She said Harman was no longer a cannabis user, while Smith had lost his job as a result of his arrest.
Magistrates told Harman and Smith they were likely to receive community orders.
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