Warrant issued for ex-director in cannabis farm case

A warrant was issued today for the arrest of a former Shropshire director of a demolition firm who was due to be sentenced for running a cannabis farm at an Edwardian mansion house.

Stephen Perce Rodenhurst, 58, failed to turn up at Wolverhampton Crown Court having been released on bail following a five-day trial last month.

Judge Martin Walsh ordered the warrant after he was informed that Rodenhurst was in Goa and unable to return to the UK for personal reasons.

Rodenhurst, formerly of Cooks Cross, Alveley, near Bridgnorth, was found guilty of possessing cannabis with intent to supply at his trial.

He had earlier admitted producing the cannabis plants and possession of the drug, but had denied growing the cannabis to sell, claiming it was for his own consumption.

See also:

• Ex-director guilty in cannabis farm case