SHODDY wiring fitted in a bid to provide free power for a small domestic cannabis farm led to a fire which badly damaged the roof of the rented property, a court heard.

The blaze was reported in the loft of adjoining homes, Derwent House and Valley View House, in Low Westwood, near Consett at 9.40am on February 12.

The tenant of one property, Nathan McKay, told officers he saw smoke emerging from behind a bedroom cupboard, in Derwent House.

He saw more smoke behind the cupboard door and went to alert his neighbour, Trevor Hall.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said McKay confirmed he was growing three cannabis plants, for his own use, in the cupboard.

Mr Dryden told Durham Crown Court that McKay, who was arrested, claimed he knew “no more” about it, but added that his neighbour may be able to assist officers.

A scenes of crime officer visited the property when it was safe to do so, the following day, and among the fire-damaged debris was a lot of wiring, plugs and connections in the loft space above Valley View House, where 25 almost incinerated cannabis plants were found, with associated lighting and heating equipment.

Hall, who was interviewed later, claimed he was not responsible for the fire.

Mr Dryden said the Crown do not claim the fire was started intentionally, but that McKay and Hall were “reckless in their actions”, in bypassing the meter to gain free power to light, heat and water the small cannabis growing operation.

Hall, 62, now of High Hedgefield Terrace, Ryton, and 41-year-old McKay, of Brook Avenue, Whickham, both near Gateshead, each deny arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. Both admit producing a class B drug and abstracting electricity.

Their trial continues tomorrow (Wednesday November 9).