Last updated at 16:33, Friday, 07 September 2012

A MAN has admitted growing £25,000 worth of cannabis plants in his rented home.

Rian Daman Protheroe (pictured) also pleaded guilty to causing a fire at the property in Wellington Street, Millom, belonging to Jacqueline Parish, that caused £20,000 worth of damage.

The 26-year old appeared at Furness Magistrates’ Court yesterday, pleading guilty to charges of arson and producing 63 cannabis plants. Prosecutor Mrs Lisa Hine told the court the plants had a street value of £25,000.

Firefighters were called to the address on May 26 after reports of a fire in the loft space of a house.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service crews from Millom, Broughton and Bootle were called to the scene just after 1pm.

The road was closed for several hours while emergency services dealt with the blaze.

Shopkeepers reported seeing thick black smoke coming from the house.

When Protheroe, of Green Lane, Whixall, Whitchurch, Shropshire, appeared in court he also pleaded guilty to a charge of being found in possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid/ gas/ electrical incapacitation device, in Haverigg.

He denied a further charge of causing criminal damage, pleading not guilty to damaging the electrical supply system at the house causing £3,000 worth of damage.

Protheroe is due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on October 16.

First published at 16:27, Friday, 07 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk