Firefighters discover cannabis farm after barn blaze near Market Rasen

Over 150 cannabis plants were found growing in a barn and other buildings on the site of the farm near Market Rasen.

Siward James-Moore, prosecuting, said that the fire in January 2019 was caused by an electrical fault in equipment being used to assist the cannabis grow.

A total of 126 plants were found inside growing tents which were within the fire-damaged barn. A further 28 plants were inside a bungalow within the farm.

Firefighters found Alan Boyes at the scene and he admitted that the plants were his.

Mr James-Moore said “He said he used cannabis to combat post traumatic stress disorder.”

Boyes, 52 of Grasby Road, North Kelsey Moor, near Market Rasen, admitted illegal production of cannabis between 1 October 2018 and 8 January 2019.

Karen Walton, in mitigation, said that Boyes had suffered for years from post traumatic stress disorder and used cannabis to relieve his condition.

She told the court that since his arrest he has stopped smoking cannabis.

She added: “He has significant mental health issues. He now has wrap-around support and has been allocated a community psychiatric nurse.

“He says he is in a much more stable place.”

Boyes was given a 12 month jail sentence suspended for 18 months.

Judge John Pini QC told him “Throughout your life you have sought out treatment but have never really been able to get the treatment you needed. I am told there is now a support package in place and you are getting the right medication.

“Please don’t take cannabis. If you speak to any psychiatrist they will tell you that long-term cannabis use causes mental health problems. Use the support that has been put in place for you.”