A man who produced cannabis plants with a street value of around £86,000 has been jailed for 28 months.

Judd Jagger, 29, accepted the cannabis was his in a police interview following his arrest on March 24, 2021, and he pleaded guilty to the charge of producing cannabis on January 30, 2023.

Prosecuting at Burnley Crown Court, Peter Barr said footage played at a previous hearing shows an employee of an electrical service attending the disused factory of More Footwear in Bacup Road, Rossendale.

The employee found Jagger in the factory tending to 215 cannabis plants spread across two rooms.

The estimated yield was 8.6kg, giving a street value of around £86,000.

Electricity was being abstracted to the factory in order to keep the cannabis grow active.

Mr Barr said Jagger accepted when interview the cannabis was his.

The defendant, who was not represented in court, addressed the judge and said: “Since then, I’ve moved completely.

"I’ve got a new job. I work away two weeks at a time. I’ve changed my life around since then. I’m sorry, I really, really, definitely am sorry.”

Sentencing, Recorder Philip Grundy said: “On March 24, 2021, you were found in a derelict building in Rossendale.

"The man from the electrical company found you there with 215 cannabis plants.

“You admitted the grow was yours, you admitted you were not gardening or babysitting the drugs for anyone else, and you admitted the electricity was for you to discharge.

“It is to your credit that right from day one you cooperated with the police. You had a significant role.

"The quantity of the cannabis was capable of producing significant amounts for use going forward.”

Recorder Grundy sentenced Jagger, of North Bank Road, Batley, West Yorkshire, to 28 months in prison.

He also ordered forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and paraphernalia.