A drug dealer who turned his one-bedroom flat into a cannabis factory has been jailed for three years.
Craig Dickman, 48, came to the attention of police after the Ford S-Max he was driving triggered ANPR cameras on May 19, 2025.
Officers from the Gedling Central neighbourhood policing team were alerted that the vehicle could be linked to drug supply and stopped it in Daybrook at around 8pm.
A search of the car uncovered a knife in the glove box, a large quantity of cannabis hidden inside a lunch box in the boot and a bag containing cash.
Police also found notebooks detailing drug deals and money owed by customers.
Mobile phones seized during the stop were later analysed and revealed evidence of Dickman’s involvement in the supply of Class A drugs.
After arresting him, officers visited his home in Markham Close, Ollerton, where they were met by a strong smell of cannabis coming from the property.
Inside the sparsely furnished flat, they discovered the remains of a cannabis grow operation. Cropped cannabis plants were found in the living room, while fans and specialist lighting equipment were located in the bedroom.
Dickman was charged with multiple offences but fled to Scotland after being granted bail.
He was later traced to an address in Newark and admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to supply cannabis, cannabis production, possession of a knife in public, possession of criminal property and a Bail Act offence.
At Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, July 13, Dickman was sentenced to a total of three years in prison.
PC Michael Callan, of the Gedling neighbourhood policing team, said the case was the result of officers’ “alertness and determination”.
He added: “The car stop and arrest allowed us to seize a phone which showed Dickman’s involvement in the supply of very harmful Class A drugs.
“By searching his home, we also discovered the remains of a cannabis grow which could easily have become active again.
“Cannabis grows within residential areas create a host of issues for neighbouring properties, who are put at risk from people trying to steal the crop and from the fire hazards they create.”
