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Luke Worsley was also spotted discarding cannabis plants in a public park while on bail for cultivating the class B drug.
The 42-year-old appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Monday to be sentenced after admitting charges of being concerned in the production of cannabis, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and the possession of cocaine and ketamine.
Holly Menary, prosecuting, told the court that on August 15, 2022, police executed a drug warrant at a property on Hale Road in Widnes.
The defendant was present and was the only occupant, but a total of 149 ‘mature’ cannabis plants were found growing across five rooms in growing tents.
It was said to be a ‘professional set-up using specialist equipment’, including heaters and timers.
Charlie Cooper, then aged 28 and of Bruche Heath Gardens in Paddington, was previously jailed for five years in December 2023 over his role in the farm.
It was previously said that messages from Worsley’s phone suggested that he was looking after the plants on behalf of Cooper.
Worsley’s blue Mercedes van was parked outside the address, and inside was a notepad with details about cannabis growing and potential yields.
Police then searched the defendant’s home on Padgate Lane in Warrington, where they recovered snap bags of cocaine and a Nike box containing cannabis, as well as scales and more notes about growing cannabis.
Worsley was arrested and, on the way to the police station, he said that he was struggling for money due to Covid and added: “Would you believe it, I don’t even smoke.”
He was released on police bail, but then at around 12.45am on October 27, 2022, police in Widnes were conducting an unconnected enquiry near to Arley Drive playing fields.
Officers saw Worsley discarding items in the woods, which was found to be a bin bag containing five cannabis plants.
That same day, police again searched his Padgate Lane home, where they seized cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and diazepam.
Charlie Cooper was previously jailed for the cannabis farm in Widnes
He was again released by police, but on March 17, 2023, a drug warrant was executed at Worsley’s Padgate Lane home.
He was present when officers found two growing tents and 23 cannabis plants, again demonstrating a ‘professional set-up’.
The defendant was arrested for a third time, and during each of his police interviews, he answered ‘no comment’ to all questions put to him.
During the course of the three arrests, three mobile phones were seized from Worsley, with an analysis finding that he was involved in the supply of cocaine to a ‘close group of individuals for personal use’.
During the hearing, judge Stuart Driver raised concerns about the extent of charges being faced by the defendant.
As a result, Worsley will now be sentenced at a later date to allow time for these charges to potentially be amended.
Following the sentencing of Cooper, a Cheshire Police spokesman said: “The negative impact that illegal drugs have on our communities is well known.
“We are committed to doing all that we can to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
“Our battle against those who are involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs continues.
“I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug-related activity in their community to get in touch. You will be listened to, and we will investigate the matter.”
There are a number of signs that could indicate that a property is being used as a cannabis farm, including a strong and sickly-sweet smell.
Other signs are constantly covered or blocked-off windows, people coming and going at all hours or neighbours you never see, strong and constant lighting day and night and high levels of heat and condensation.
A constant buzz of ventilation and lots of power cables are other key signs that a cannabis farm is in operation.
To report a suspected cannabis farm or any other type of drug-related offence, call Cheshire Police on 101, visit the force’s website or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“}]] A CANNABIS farmer set up a second drug grow – just months after being caught red-handed by police in the first. Read More
