Local News

An ex-Army serviceman who claimed he had to set up a cannabis farm in his home after owing a debt to "unsavoury characters" has been jailed;

Drugs have been seized after a warrant was executed at a property in Middlesbrough;

...and an investigation into the death of a teenage cyclist has not resulted in any criminal charges.

An ex-Army serviceman who claimed he had to set up a cannabis farm in his home after owing a debt to "unsavoury characters" has been jailed.

Police found a "professional" cannabis farm operation set up in the home of Jake Brian Costello after they were notified of a break-in on February 28.

Plants with an estimated street value of up to £138,000 were discovered in the Guisborough home, complete with growing tents and high-powered lighting installed.

But when 26 year old Mr Costello turned himself in a day later, he claimed he had to set up the farm after he and his family were threatened by people associated with county lines gangs after borrowing money due to financial struggles.

Costello, of the High Street in Normanby appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced for production of cannabis.

He was was jailed for 25 months.

Drugs have been seized after a warrant was executed at a property in Middlesbrough.

Class A, B and C drugs were seized at the property on Tennyson Street on Monday afternoon.

A drugs warrant was executed at the address by Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Officers as part of Operation Endeavour to tackle serious and organised crime groups.

A 36-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences and they have been released pending enquiries.

Anyone with information regarding drugs activity in our area is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

An investigation into the death of a teenage cyclist has not resulted in any criminal charges.

14-year-old Jake Hurst died in an accident when the bike he was riding was hit by a white Volkswagen Golf on Bankfields Road in Bankfields in Eston in July last year.

The accident happened near to the junction with Woodcock Close in Bankfields.

The air ambulance landed and paramedic crews were called to the scene.

Cleveland Police has now said its probe into the accident has concluded and the matter is now in the hands of the Coroner.