Last updated at 16:39, Thursday, 15 November 2012

A MAN was so desperate to run away from the scene of a party he headbutted his way through a window.

Jonathan Hillier’s painful flight came after he and a group of friends were caught drinking together in a former cannabis factory in Wellington Street, Millom, Furness Magistrates’ Court heard.

In May firefighters fought a blaze at the house for several hours after a fire broke out in the loft.

It was found to contain 63 cannabis plants with a street value of £25,000. The court was told how on August 30 police were called by a man in the street who heard noise coming from the house.

Mr John Appleby, prosecuting, said the man heard voices and banging and decided to investigate.

“He saw five local Millom people who were drinking and partying,” said Mr Appleby.

“He described Mr Hillier who, in his urgency to get away, ran to the back door and tried to headbutt the door and the glass smashed and the defendant climbed out.”

When he was arrested and interviewed, Hillier said he had been drinking with friends and they decided to go to the empty house where the drinking continued.

He was left with a bleeding head and the door was said to be beyond repair.

Mr Mike Graham, defending, said Hillier, a chef, was sorry for what had happened.

Hillier, 25, of Albert Street, Millom, admitted one charge of criminal damage when he appeared in court on Tuesday and was fined £150.

He was also ordered to pay £100 towards replacing the glass in the door, a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Rian Protheroe, of Green Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire, has pleaded guilty to growing cannabis and arson in relation to the fire in May. The 26-year-old is due appear again in Preston Crown Court in the week of December 3.

First published at 16:31, Thursday, 15 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk