AN illegal immigrant tending a large-scale domestic cannabis farm fled across rooftops when police called at the property.

Officers found the gate padlocked at the address in Church Street, Seaham, and then encountered a timber door strengthened with metal plates, when they visited armed with a search warrant, on June 4.

Durham Crown Court was told that upon forcing entry, officers saw the the sole occupant, Kanvit Agq, running up the stairs before escaping from the house via a bathroom window.

He climbed onto the roof and ran across neighbouring properties roofs, before being detained by other officers.

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said Agq was in possession of two mobile phones and almost £100, plus a rail ticket from London to Sunderland, dated March 3.

She said within the large property officers discovered an “extensive” cannabis farm spread across several rooms.

In total 476 plants in varying stages of growth were recovered, with a potential street sale value of £301,000.

He made no comment to police questions but admitted production of cannabis at the crown court plea hearing.

Martin Scarborough, in mitigation, said the defendant, 29, has no previous convictions.

He said Agq came to this country illegally, and initially was based in London, working on a building site for several months until that came to an end.

Mr Scarborough said the man who helped traffic the defendant to this country and provided him with the passport wanted payment and it was then that arrangements were put in place for him to come to the North-East, “where they would be a job for him”.

He believed it would be decorating work, and it was only when he was taken to the property in Seaham, where the growing equipment was already in place, he realised the true nature of the job.

“While he didn’t really want to get involved, he accepted he must do it as the man wanted his money back.

“He was given money for food and water and the balance was found on him when he was arrested.”

Judge Ray Singh said Agq was involved in the running of “a very extensive” cannabis farm, which he described as, “a significant operation”.

Imposing a 27-month prison sentence, Judge Singh said on release Agq may be deported, but that is, “a matter for the Home Office”.