Police find a 1,022-plant cannabis farm growing in an ex-magistrates' court next to their own station 

  • Farm discovered in former magistrates court next to Runcorn Police station
  • Court was shut in 2017 in cost-cutting cull of half of 320 magistrates' courts
  • Backlog of cases across England and Wales has risen to 364,122 

Police have found a cannabis farm growing next door to their own station.

The farm – with 1,022 plants – was discovered in a former magistrates' court next to Runcorn Police Station in Cheshire.

ADVERTISEMENT

It was shut in 2017 in a decade-long cost-cutting cull of half the 320 magistrates' courts in England and Wales. Meanwhile, the backlog of cases has risen to 364,122.

Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed said: 'It beggars belief. Criminals are walking free because of the disastrous case backlog, yet a court sold off by the Conservatives is being used to grow cannabis.' 

Mr Reed has written to Justice Secretary Dominic Raab about the case adding it has ‘raised concerns about the continued closure and repurposing of magistrates courts’. He has asked Mr Raab how many former courts remain unoccupied and how many have been investigated by the police.

Two large skips with items including large cylinders or tubes were found outside the old magistrates building by Liverpool Echo reporters.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police stated in a statement to reporters: ‘Cheshire Police officers executed a narcotics warrant at a business premises in Halton Lea, Runcorn, about 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 25.

‘A large number of cannabis plants were located on the premises,” the summary concludes.’ 

A 20-year-old has been charged over the Runcorn discovery.

The farm – with 1,022 plants – was discovered in a former magistrates' court next to Runcorn Police Station in Cheshire (stock image)
A 20-year-old has been charged over the Runcorn discovery (stock image)

Most Read News

Is this Britain's most bitter neighbour dispute? Father-of-five who was jailed and handed £475,000...

The Gogglebox stars lost over the years: Famous faces on Channel 4 hit no longer with us remembered...

'You've erased my girl from history': Mothers' fury after photo firm offers to DELETE disabled...

Primary school 'on lockdown' as armed police descend - with parents told to take students to main...

October 7 terrorist's shocking video testimony is revealed by Israel as he describes sexually...

Georgia Harrison bravely condemns Stephen Bear's 'awful crime' outside court - as shamed reality...

RICHARD EDEN: ​The very telling reason why Harry and Meghan should now seek forgiveness from...

Man is arrested over death of Gogglebox and CBB star George Gilbey: Police detain man in his 40s on...

Shocked doctor discovers 30-YEAR build-up of smegma under the foreskin of married man who was...

Stephen Bear protests his innocence at revenge porn confiscation hearing in women's loafers: Ex...

Moment 300 children storm shopping centre, causing mayhem by charging through mall, screaming and...

'It's a great sadness that I cannot be with you all': Charles vows to continue serving 'with my...

Sam Bankman-Fried sentencing: FTX fraudster vows to appeal his prison sentences after he is jailed...

Major incident declared as three inmates and three staff at HMP Lewes are rushed to hospital after...

Storm Nelson sparks getaway chaos: Millions thrown into Easter holiday hell as 80mph winds cancel...

Storm Nelson's 70mph gales batter Britain: Terrifying moment easyJet plane aborts Gatwick landing at...