An illegally trafficked carpenter caught hiding behind cannabis plants at a Bradford drugs farm has been jailed for eight months.

Amarilt Elezi, a college-educated craftsman, had lost his good name and ended up behind bars because he and others like him foolishly believed they could earn more money in the UK by coming here illegally, the judge said.

Elezi, 25, an Albanian national, was tending a commercial cannabis grow at a house in Broadstone Way, Holme Wood, Bradford, when the police forced their way into the property on July 24.

Prosecutor Philip Adams told Bradford Crown Court today that the mid-terrace four-storey address had been turned into a drugs factory.

There were 81 seedlings in the cellar and a total of 59 mature plants in a bedroom and the attic. The grow had all the usual equipment, including lamps, fans and plastic sheeting.

Elezi was apprehended when he was discovered crouching behind cannabis plants in a first floor bedroom.

He made no comment when questioned by the police but pleaded guilty to production of cannabis at the first opportunity.

His solicitor advocate, Tom Rushbrooke, said Elezi would have admitted the offence at the magistrates’ court but no interpreter was available.

He was remanded in custody and sentenced on a video link to HMP Leeds.

Mr Rushbrooke said his client came to the country illegally 18 months ago. He was a carpenter who was told he could earn a lot more money here.

At first he worked on building sites for cash in hand but that employment dried up because he did not have the relevant paperwork.

He was £5,000 in debt to the traffickers and brought to Bradford to tend the cannabis plants to pay back the money.

Judge Jonathan Rose told Elezi he foolishly believed he could earn more money by coming here illegally.

“You and others must understand that you cannot find legitimate employment in this country without papers, and you can’t get these papers if you come here illegally.

“So, far from finding riches, you will find yourself unable to work and in the situation that you are in.”

Elezi, who had no previous convictions, had been prepared to forfeit his good name and his liberty. He would go to prison and then back to Albania, still owing money.

“What you have done makes no sense at all,” Judge Rose said.

Elezi was producing drugs for the streets of Bradford and profiting others and not himself.