UPDATE: Double glazier turned cannabis grower jailed
A SELF-made businessman who switched to cannabis production after his double glazing company was hit by falling sales has been jailed for four years and eight months.
David Rous (55) at one time owned nine houses, Millgate Windows and Conservatories and a string of other businesses but when he got into difficulties he brought in tradesmen to convert a Whaplode industrial unit into a cannabis farm.
A sophisticated system was set up which could produce more than 100,000 worth of cannabis a year, Lincoln Crown Court heard on Monday.
Rous was caught out after he attracted police attention and officers mounted an undercover surveillance operation.
CCTV cameras were installed and as a result of evidence caught on film officers raided the building on September 24, 2007.
On Thursday Rous, of Millgate, Whaplode, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after admitting two charges of conspiracy to produce cannabis.
His son Wayne (27), of Harrington Court, Holbeach, admitted conspiracy to produce cannabis at Manor Farm, Holbeach, and was jailed for three years and 10 months.
Robert Underwood, prosecuting, said it was a "sophisticated, professional set-up".
The unit had been separated into four rooms – each with a false ceiling and equipped with high powered lights, fans, ducting and electrical power units.
The electric supply had also been bypassed.
Mr Underwood said during the search between 600 and 700 cannabis plants were found at various stages of growth, while 30,000 in cash stuffed in envelopes was found at Rous' home on the same site.
He said: "Rous said the money was from customers paying in cash.
"Although one customer was traced and confessed to handing over cash, the prosecution remain sceptical about the origins of such a large sum of money."
Investigations showed that plasterboard and loft insulation used in the conversion of the building had been ordered and paid for through Rous' firm.
A second cannabis farm operated by Rous, along with his son Wayne, was found at Manor Farm, Holbeach. It was in the process of being dismantled when police arrived at the scene.
Officers later raided the Essex home of electrician Sanel Sljiver, who had been spotted visiting the Millgate site.
A hydroponic system set up for growing cannabis was found in the spare bedroom at the house, which Sljiver shared with his partner Emma Rous, David Rous' niece, along with remnants of cannabis plants.
Jay Ali (27), of Copper Beech Road, South Ockendon, Essex and Sanel Sljiver (27) admitted conspiracy to produce cannabis at Millgate, Whaplode.
Sljivar and Emma Rous (25) both of Oakway, Grays, Essex, admitted production of cannabis at Grays.
David Rous, Wayne Rous, Ali and Sljiver were remanded in custody. Emma Rous was granted bail. They are due to be sentenced today.
Graham Huston, for David Rous, admitted he was the organiser
of the cannabis growing operation.
He said: "He was a prosperous and successful businessman but by 2004 his business had declined.
"He was also in the midst of a divorce which, because of the amount of wealth he had accumulated, was difficult.
"It was in these circumstances that he turned to the cultivation of cannabis as a means of making money."
Mr Huston claimed Rous never actually made any money from his cannabis farms as no usable crops were grown.
And he has now had to sell off seven of his nine properties in a bid to meet debts.
Mr Huston said Rous is now facing bankruptcy over a 400,000 VAT debt.
He added: "He built up a significant and substantial amount of businesses having left school at 15 without any qualifications. He is now a broken man who sees his lifetime achievement in tatters."
Nicholas Bleaney, for Wayne Rous, said he was only involved in the Holbeach cannabis farm and now faces losing everything.
Simon Baker, for Jay Ali, said his role was to work as a carpenter in the conversion work at Millgate for which he was paid 5,000.
Gordon Aspden, for Sljiver and Emma Rous, said cannabis grown at their home was for their own use.
He said Sljiver "foolishly" chose to get involved in the Millgate farm out of desparation as the couple overstretched themselves when they bought their house and were facing mounting debts.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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