But Klodean Selimaj denies being involved in developing the cannabis cultivation set-up, in the ex-Rossi’s shop, in Horden.
The 29-year-old Albanian national was arrested when police raided the premises in Blackhills Road, on November 20, last year.
A total of 171 cannabis plants, in various stages of cultivation, were recovered by officers, who also removed heating and lighting equipment assisting the growth.
(Image: The Northern Echo) Selimaj, assisted by an Albanian interpreter, appeared via video link for a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court.
He admitted a charge of cultivation of cannabis plants, adding that he was “remorseful”, while also apologising to the court.
His counsel, Calum McNicholas, said the defendant’s basis of plea was that he had nothing to do with the setting up of the system.
Judge Jo Kidd noted that the defendant “essentially” was stating that he was not anticipating any significant financial benefit from his role in the operation.
“He’s saying his role was to water the plants and to receive instructions as to how and when to do it.”
But the prosecution uploaded a screen shot from the defendant’s seized phone showing receipts from mid-October, last year, for between £1,000 and £1,500-worth of equipment used in cannabis growing.
Judge Kidd told Mr McNicholas: “The issue will arise as to why someone undertaking the role of your client would have those receipts on his phone?”
Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said the phone evidence would suggest a more significant role was played by the defendant.
Following a brief consultation with the defendant, Mr McNicholas said he maintains the the images of the receipts were sent to Selimaj by others to show how much had been spent setting it up the growing operation.
Judge Kidd said the prosecution could research the defendant’s claims and challenge it, if necessary, at a trial of issue (Newton hearing).
(Image: The Northern Echo) See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here
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She told the defendant if his claims were not accepted at the Newton hearing, he risked losing up to 25-per cent reduction from his sentence.
The hearing was adjourned pending the trial of issue, at the court in four weeks.
Judge Kidd remanded the defendant to remain in custody prior to that hearing, on February 10.