A Soham man whose cannabis factory was uncovered when emergency services were called to a shed fire in his neighbour’s garden has been jailed for five years.

Cambs Times: The scene of the shed fire in Northfield Park which led to the discovery of a cannabis farm. (PHOTO: Kallum Mueller)The scene of the shed fire in Northfield Park which led to the discovery of a cannabis farm. (PHOTO: Kallum Mueller) (Image: Archant)

Jamie Nunn, 67, was growing cannabis in his shed and in his home in Northfield Park, but it was not discovered until September 27 last year when the shed caught fire at the home of next-door neighbour Stephen Webb, 54.

The fire service discovered a large number of plants in Nunn’s shed and evidence of cannabis production in Webb’s shed. Nunn’s home was searched and further cannabis plants were discovered along with a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition in a laundry basket.

Police had been called after Nunn tried to stop fire officers from getting into his shed. On arrival, officers discovered Nunn attempting to cut down cannabis plants in the shed and he was arrested.

In total, 200 plants were discovered in Nunn’s property with a potential value of up to £168,000. One thousand pounds in cash was also found which Nunn admitted was from cannabis sales.

Cambs Times: The scene of the shed fire in Northfield Park which led to the discovery of a cannabis farm.The scene of the shed fire in Northfield Park which led to the discovery of a cannabis farm. (Image: Archant)

Nunn pleaded guilty to producing cannabis, possession with intent to supply cannabis and possession of a firearm.

On Friday (June 19), at Cambridge Crown Court, Nunn was sentenced to two years for the first charge, two years for the second and five years for the firearm offence, all to run concurrently.

Webb pleaded guilty to production of cannabis, possession of a firearm (a canister of Pava) and production of cannabis. He was sentenced to a total of 10 months suspended for 12 months.

DC Alan Radford, who investigated, said: “Nunn was running a significant cannabis production line and two large bags ready to be sold were found in his home. “There was evidence of cannabis growth in Webb’s shed and he was also involved in the growth of Nunn’s 200 plants.

“The sentence handed to Nunn reflects how seriously the courts treat possession of firearms offences.”