Suspended Sentences for Men Involved in Skendleby Cannabis Farm Operation

Two men who were involved in a substantial cannabis operation in Skendleby, Lincolnshire, have been handed suspended sentences. The hidden cannabis farm was discovered following a lead from Spanish authorities. The Lincolnshire Police, acting on this tip-off, revealed the operation on 3rd September 2020. They found a sophisticated underground cannabis farm within four shipping containers located 20ft beneath the surface. It was reported to Lincoln Crown Court that entrances to the containers were cleverly concealed within barns, where several animals, including 22 horses and a llama, were housed.

Nathan Allen, a 39-year-old from Peterborough, admitted his role in the conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis, in addition to possessing an uncertified firearm, for which he got a two-year suspended sentence. Similarly, Kyle Robinson, a 33-year-old Alford resident, also received a 12-month suspended sentence after admitting to his involvement in the conspiracy to supply cannabis. Robinson stated that his initial responsibility on the farm was tending to the animals, but this eventually changed to safeguarding the cannabis growth. He also declared not having entered the bunkers. Allen confessed to a limited participation influenced by a financial debt which led him to take a ‘selfie’ in one of the bunkers.

The discovery of over 600 cannabis plants within the bunkers initiated a comprehensive eight-day search from Lincolnshire Police. This was incited by intelligence acquired from the Guardia Civil. Recorder Simon King, taking into account the time since the operation’s discovery and Robinson’s declared reformation, cautioned Allen that he had narrowly avoided immediate imprisonment. Tony Owen, another individual from Peterborough implicated in the operation, awaits his sentencing on 15 December.

The Lincoln Post adapted this report from original coverage provided by www.bbc.com.