Police discovered a lucrative cannabis growing “business” operating from a rural farmhouse when they were called out to reports of an 88-year-old woman’s sudden death.

June Cox, who lived with her grandson Robert Daniels at Ryecroft Barn, Ryecroft Road, Glusburn, in North Yorkshire passed away in January, but when officers turned up at the large detached property they uncovered the 36-year-old’s sophisticated skunk cannabis factory.

Daniels, who lives at One Cliff Mills, Elland, came clean about his business which involved growing six cannabis crops a year at the property and selling the drug for £100 an ounce to regular customers in Huddersfield and other areas.

During his candid interviews with police Daniels, whose only previous conviction was a motoring offence, admitted he had been growing cannabis since 2010 and inquiries into his finances revealed that he had earned just under £252,000 from his activities.

Prosecutor Stephanie Hancock told Bradford Crown Court that Daniels specifically referred to seeking out the rural property in March 2012 in the full knowledge that he intended to carry on producing cannabis.

Bradford Crown Court

When officers searched the property earlier this year they found specially adapted rooms with reflective sheeting and lighting along with a third of a kilo of harvested cannabis ready for sale and around £19,000 in cash in a suitcase and a filing cabinet.

The police found 95 mature plants being grown at the property with a further 89 seedlings and Miss Hancock said Daniels was making so much money he was able to pay very significant fuel bills and pay an annual rent of £18,000 in cash upfront.

In another twist to the case today Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC was told that an investigation had also been launched into whether Daniels should face neglect charges in relation to the death of his grandmother.

Miss Hancock said the Crown were still considering their position in respect of that and it was at a “very early investigative stage.”

Despite the possibility of further charges Judge Durham Hall decided to go ahead with Daniels’ sentencing after he pleaded guilty to producing cannabis, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and money laundering at a hearing before Skipton Magistrates Court last month.

Barrister Gerald Hendron, for Daniels, said it was not a case where there was any evidence of a lavish lifestyle and the court heard that Daniels had bought himself a Ford Focus costing just £9,000.

He said Daniels had recently been employed at a fishmongers and he was now on medication for depression.

Jailing Daniels for 40 months Judge Durham Hall said the offending was exceptionally serious.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall

“This was not some small-time, half-hearted attempt to grow a few plants in the attic of a house,” he told Daniels.

“This was a sophisticated, well-planned and determined almost small industrial enterprise.

“The police attended at your home because sadly your grandmother, whom you cared for, had died in her sleep and you needed assistance.

“I note that for the record there is an ongoing investigation in relation to the circumstances surrounding her death in the sense of whether or not there has been any negligence or neglect.”

The judge said Daniels’ criminal benefit over five years appeared to have been just over £250,000 and he had clearly intended to carry on.