A JUDGE in a drug grow case wants to hear from a detective overseeing inquiries into the discovery of cannabis oil on a farm in the Midlands.

Paul McAllister previously admitted producing a class B drug and abstracting electricity relating to the discovery of the cultivation of cannabis within a disused church building in Wheatley Hill.

The 44-year-old defendant, of Oldham, Greater Manchester, was found hiding in loft space in the former Methodist Church, on May 20.

Police attending the boarded-up building, in Dodds Close, recovered a large number of plants and discovered attempts had been made to bypass the electricity meter.

Durham Crown Court was told ongoing inquiries are being made following the discovery of a large amount of cannabis oil within two oil drums at a farm run by McAllister’s mother, in Derbyshire, while police may also seek to further examine McAllister’s seized phone and lap-top computer.

Jane Waugh, for McAllister, said he wanted to be sentenced immediately for the church drug grow, but Judge Ray Singh said he wants to hear from the officer leading the police inquiry into the Derbyshire cannabis oil find as further charges may emanate from that.

He adjourned the hearing for a week so the Derbyshire detective can assist proceedings in Durham and remanded McAllister to remain in custody until July 16.