Armed police called to reports of 'woman held hostage' in Leeds find cannabis farm
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Leeds Crown Court heard officers went to Brompton Grove, Beeston, Leeds, and found cannabis plants growing in every room of the house.
-> Video: Dramatic scene as Land Rover flips upside down and ambulances called to Leeds roadCarmel Pearson, prosecuting, said an allegation had also been made that firearms were in the house.
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Hide AdThe officers found a woman hiding in the attic but she confirmed she was not being held against her will.
Miss Pearson said a tent was found in one bedroom containing 30 plants. A total of 20 plants were also found in the attic.
The prosecutor said the plants were capable of producing cannabis with a street value of £9,000.
Tenant Paul Metcalfe handed himself in to police.
-> Car mounts pavement and crashes into Betty's Tearoom in HarrogateMetcalfe, 48, was interviewed and told officers he had allowed others to use is home to grow the class B drug as he had built up a £4,000 drug debt.
He pleaded guilty to producing cannabis.
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Hide AdProbation officer Jacquie Brook told the court that Matcalfe was now homeless as a result of the offence.
Mrs Brook said the defendant was living in a "tented community" in Leeds and was receiving support from a charity to tackle his drug problems.
Tim Jacobs, mitigating, urged judge Robin Mairs to impose a community-based punishment so Metcalfe can continue to receive help.
Metcalfe was made the subject of a two-year community order. He must also take part in a 25-day rehabilitation requirement.
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Hide AdJudge Mairs said: "Because of the drug debt you had turned your house over to be used by others.
-> Police catch four burglars asleep in stolen car near Leeds"You have rendered yourself vulnerable.
"You are living in a tented community and are trying to deal with the afflictions that have troubled you for many years. One of these is your drug use."