Beeston cannabis grower jailed for blasting man with shotgun
A DRUG grower shot at five men he thought were trying to steal his cannabis.
The attack left a 27-year-old man with 100 shotgun pellets in his stomach.
Hospital staff called police and friends of the man reported the incident, which happened in Bramcote Drive, Beeston, on January 4, 2011.
Once at the scene, officers found a dismantled shotgun and spent cartridges.
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They also found 152 cannabis plants, worth about £26,500. The operation could have produced up to £8,800 of cannabis at each harvest.
David Adlington, 58, was arrested and pleaded guilty to the production of cannabis and diverting electricity from the mains supply, but denied causing grievous bodily harm and possession of an unlicensed shotgun.
A jury found him guilty at Nottingham Crown Court and he was jailed for seven years.
Adlington was acquitted of intending to endanger someone's life.
Detective chief inspector Melanie Bowden, who led the investigation, said: "While the law sometimes empathises with those who act in defence of their personal safety, it is not the case on this occasion.
"David Adlington was already a criminal, growing illegal drugs on a large scale. The only thing he was in fear of was that his precious cannabis stash would be stolen, as had happened on a previous occasion.
"And he was willing to risk the lives of others, as well as his own future, to protect it.
"At no point is there any justification for arming yourself with a gun.
"David Adlington is now facing the consequences of such actions."
Three other men were also arrested over the incident.
Two were released without further action but the third — David's brother Paul Adlington — was charged with the production of cannabis.
The 44-year-old of Beckley Road, Broxtowe Estate, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison.
Following a four-day stay in hospital and surgery, the injured man made a full recovery.
DCI Bowden said: "The dismantling of such a profitable cannabis farm has also removed thousands of pounds of illegal drugs from Nottingham's streets, as well as disrupted the inevitable crime that comes with drug abuse.
"I am in no doubt that the community is a safer place thanks to the jailing of the Adlington brothers."
Anyone who suspects someone of being involved in illegal drugs should police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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