Landlord jailed over cannabis growing at Holbeck pub

A landlord has been jailed after being caught red-handed growing more than £20,000 worth of cannabis in rooms above his pub.

Dean Durno, 46, was caught after a police officer picked up the pungent scent of the class B drug as he walked passed the Brittania pub, in Holbeck, Leeds.

The officer managed to gain entry to the upper rooms of the pub despite being abused by tap room regulars and bar staff trying to throw him off the scent.

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Durno was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Jessica Strange, prosecuting, said the officer was patrolling the Holbeck area at around 2pm on January 17 when he noticed a strong smell of cannabis.

Miss Strange said the officer went into the pub and asked if anyone was living upstairs.

A member of staff told him to come back later that afternoon but he insisted on being allowed upstairs.

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He was then told that the access was locked and staff did not have any keys.

Miss Strange said the officer was not “happily treated” by staff or people drinking in the pub so went outside. He looked up and spotted a man’s head through a window.

The officer went back inside but was again refused access by those who continued to insist they could not get in.

When he rang the pub’s telephone number he heard ringing from behind the locked door.

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Durno answered the phone and told the officer: “Oh dear, you have caught me red-handed. No point in denying it. You might as well come up.”

The court heard he was in the process of harvesting 67 plants being grown in three rooms, capable of producing more than £19,000 of cannabis.

A seperate quantity worth over £3,000 was also found.

After his arrest, Durno told officers he looked after plants for other people and would be “in trouble” with them after the discovery.

Jason Macadam, mitigating, told the court Durno had been responsible for growing the plants but there were people above him in the chain whom he had no influence over.

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He told judge Geoffrey Marson QC: “He has realised that he has been an extremely stupid man by involving himself to the extent that he has and recognises that your honour will pass an immediate custodial sentence.”

Durno will face a confiscation hearing later this year under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

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