A man who caused an explosion and fire while growing cannabis in the kitchen of a house has heard a prison sentence is the usual outcome in such cases.

It follows guilty pleas to two charges put to defendant Christopher Titterington arising from a fire at a property in Horden, County Durham, on Thursday, July 2, 2020.

Emergency services were called to the address, in Rosedale Terrace, shortly after 10pm following reports of a small explosion and fire.

The 27-year-old defendant suffered facial injuries in the incident and had to be treated at hospital.

But he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of arson and involvement in cannabis production.

Read more: Blast took place as man converted cannabis into 'shatter'

Appearing at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court today (Tuesday, August 9) he admitted charges of arson, damaging by fire the property in Rosedale Terrace, and being concerned in the production of a class B drug.

The court heard that Titterington, now of West Street, Blackhall Colliery, has a previous conviction for producing cannabis, dating from less than two months before the fire.

Warren Ridley, for the defendant, said there was an indication of likely guilty pleas when he appeared before magistrates last month.

Prosecuting counsel, Paul Rooney, asked for a delay in sentencing to allow the landlord of the property to give an updated victim statement, to include the latest valuation as to the cost of repairs for the damage caused.

Read more: Home damaged in blast as man made potent cannabis derivative

Judge James Adkin said: “On my cursory analysis it appears to be a high-value case, in the region of £75,000.”

The judge told Mr Ridley he did not see the merit of adjourning for a pre-sentence probation report on the defendant.

“Every single defendant in these cases goes to custody because of the danger of causing such an explosion in a residential street.”

He bailed the defendant to return to be sentenced at the court, on Friday.

Read next:

Explosion caused as man tried to create potent cannabis type

Man enjoyed lucrative trade selling cannabis oil online

Two jailed after two large cannabis farms discovered in Easington and Murton

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