colwyn Bay - Colwyn Bay Drugs 'factory' man pleads guilty

Last Updated: Wednesday, 16 February, 2005, 15:02 GMT  E-mail this to a friend Printable version

Drugs 'factory' man pleads guilty

McFadden was sent from Llandudno court to Caernarfon for sentencing A businessman has pleaded guilty to charges relating to cannabis valued at £100,000, which was found in a warehouse in Colwyn Bay.Sandwich bar owner Darren McFadden, 38, who lives locally, admitted possessing the drug with intent to supply, and possession. He also admitted permitting premises to be used for the production of the drug after 131 plants were found. He was committed for sentencing at Caernarfon crown court on 18 March. District judge Andrew Shaw at Llandudno magistrates court said his sentencing powers were insufficient for the case. He granted McFadden conditional bail in the meantime but ordered him to report to the police every day. Scared The court had previously heard McFadden had become "sucked into a situation he found terrifying" which had gone beyond his control. He had told police the warehouse where the plants were found had been sub-let to a man who needed somewhere to store furniture and possessions. But he became aware something was amiss when the burglar alarm went off and went to visit the warehouse. The defence said McFadden had been horrified but was too scared to report the situation, and had been told the man would be leaving soon. The court was told McFadden was a family man who ran a successful sandwich bar business.Defending, Robert Vickery said he had not made any financial gain from the situation and had been frank with the police.