Hartlepool man admits growing large amount of cannabis alleged to be worth up to £392,000

A man has admitted responsibility for growing a large amount of cannabis in Hartlepool.
By Mark Payne
Published 21st May 2021, 15:15 BST
Updated 24th May 2021, 09:48 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Matt Matharu, 56, pleaded guilty to production of a class B drug when he appeared in front of a judge at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, May 21.

The charge dates back to between July 2017 and his arrest by police in January 2018.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At a magistrates court hearing in February it was alleged the value of the drugs involved was between £238,340 and £392,700.

Matharu will return to Teesside Crown Court to be sentenced in July.Matharu will return to Teesside Crown Court to be sentenced in July.
Matharu will return to Teesside Crown Court to be sentenced in July.

Matharu, of Eldon Grove, Hartlepool, previously denied the offence and was due to stand trial at the crown court in October.

On his last court appearance, his barrister, Steven Reed, said Matharu had committed the offence under duress.

No details of where the drugs were discovered were given during the latest hearing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Recorder Alex Menary adjourned sentence for a report by the probation service.

Matharu was told to be back at court in July and was granted unconditional bail in the meantime.

Read More
Using a phone while driving and other recent Hartlepool motoring offences

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.