Shropshire drugs factory arsonist jailed for three years

Rian Protheroe, of Green Lane in Whixhall, near Whitchurch, was also jailed for possession of a prohibited weapon and reckless arson.

The 26-year-old had admitted producing 63 cannabis plants and arson, which both occurred on May 25 last year. Protheroe also admitted having CS spray on May 27.

Protheroe was sentenced to four months in prison for possession of a prohibited weapon, 12 months for reckless arson and 20 months for the production of cannabis, when he appeared at Lancaster Crown Court.

Each sentence will run consecutively.

The blaze at a home in Wellington Street, Millom, last year broke out in the loft area of the property. Firefighters spent several hours dealing with the incident.

Protheroe admitted his involvement upon his arrest.

When interviewed by the police he claimed he had bought the equipment used for growing cannabis at an address he rented. He also indicated to police the drug was being produced for him and that he had not been acting under anyone else.

He had been due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court in December but an issue was raised over whether he had simply been a 'caretaker' in a chain, or someone having a leading or significant role.

Mr Mark Shepherd, for Protheroe, said his client had not been represented by a solicitor when interviewed by police.

He said the defendant had been exploited as a result of his naivety.

The prosecution accepted the defendant's version of events so the case did not have to go for a trial of issue. He was sentenced at Lancaster Crown Court on Wednesday.