POLICE discovered a 'large and sophisticated' drugs operation at a derelict South Cumbria hotel - two years after a raid unearthed £100,000 worth of cannabis.
Preston Crown Court heard officers recovered 654 plants at various different stages of maturity and £10,000 in cash from the living quarters of Bankfield Hall in Great Urswick on September 4, 2021.
Four other men avoided immediate custodial sentences for growing £100,000 worth of cannabis at the same abandoned hotel following a raid in January 3 2019.
Drugs found in 2019 (Image: Cumbria Police)
Prosecutor David Lees said in the latest case 152 mature cannabis plants were seized which would have produced a yield of 10 kilograms and a total street value of £35,700.
The court heard there were 145 other plants which would have produced an eight-kilogram yield.
26-year-old Bradley Whinn, of Manor House Lane, Preston, and 27-year-old Stephen Reece, of Centenary Mill Court, New Lane, Preston, were living on the top floor of the secluded Georgian mansion when the raid took place.
Mr Lees said a disguised door with a secret set of stairs led to police finding five rooms which were being used for the production of cannabis to take place.
Tubing equipment, electric lighting, plastic sheeting and the unlawful obstruction of electricity were all methods used.
The court heard Whinn was homeless and a user of cocaine at the time when the opportunity to produce the drugs presented itself. Recorder David Tempkin said the defendant 'took advantage' and 'foolishly agreed' to take part in the operation.
Whinn and Reece pleaded guilty to production of cannabis.
READ MORE: Four men sentenced for running £100,000 cannabis operation at Bankfield Hall in Great Urswick
In the first case officers found three separate growing areas containing 390 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £88,000.
Each growing area was kitted out with ventilation and lighting, to enhance the growing capacity of the cannabis.
Drugs found in 2019 (Image: Cumbria Police)
A blackboard was on the wall, with 'Lemon Haze' and dates listed between October and December 2018, suggesting the strain of cannabis being grown.
Sentencing both Reece and Whinn to 18-month community orders, Recorder Tempkin said: "This was a large and sophisticated operation.
"There would have been an even more significant yield given time. The operation was capable of producing significant quantities of cannabis.
"You were both working for others and were being supervised. You were not going to get the profits from the cannabis. I deemed you both played a lesser role.
"The delay is an important factor. It is excessive and not your fault."
Reece was told to complete 100 hours of unpaid work as part of his community order, whilst Whinn was instructed to complete 80 hours.
Forfeiture of the £10,000 in cash was also sought.
Two-defendants have also been charged but are still at large, the court heard.