A LANDLORD of a charity hostel in Hyndburn who ran a cannabis factory on the side has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

A character reference penned by Maundy Relief founder Dorothy McGregor could not prevent Naeem Sarwar, 32, from being sent to prison by Recorder Robert Carus QC at Burnley Crown Court.

Police raided the premises in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, and found 221 individual bags of cannabis, ready for sale, the court heard.

Prosecutor Emma Kehoe said Sarwar was convicted after a trial of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Drugs officers found 91.7 grams of cannabis in a silver starred box, in Sarwar’s flat at the top of the Union Street building.

And as the search continued they found a further 284.6g of the drug, in hundreds of little ‘wraps’, and a shopping list of all the equipment needed to start a cannabis growing operation. In the basement officers found growing equipment.

Miss Kehoe said the estimated street value of the drugs seized was £4,700 and a police proceeds of crime hearing would be scheduled.

Julian Taylor, defending, said Mrs McGregor’s letter said he had been a ‘useful servant and good landlord’ for Maundy Relief.

The defendant’s family had disowned him and he had now essentially owned up to supplying cannabis, he added.

Passing sentence, Recorder Carus said: “You are somewhat of a Walter Mitty character and live in a constant state of illusion.

“For your own sake, and your family’s, as soon as you get you feet back on the ground, and stop smoking cannabis, you can use the undoubted talents you possess.”