Telford cannabis farmer jailed in his absence after being on the run for five years
Aurimas Juodokas has been on the run since February 2021.
An man who admitted growing 34 plants at an address in Telford six years ago before absconding, has been jailed in his absence.
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Aurimas Juodokas, aged 33, has been on the run since February 2021, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard on Friday.
The Albanian national went on the run while on bail after pleading guilty to producing the cannabis plants at an address in Granville Street, Arelston in May 2020.
The court heard that Juodokas was alone in the property when police raided the address and found a cannabis farm containing 34 plants, as well as lighting systems and a re-routed electricity supply.
But the court heard that Juodokas failed to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court in February 2021 and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest, but to date he had not been found.
However, Judge Anthony Lowe said he could see no reason why he could not sentence Juodokas in his absence.
He handed him an 18-month term but reduced the sentence to 12 months in prison, giving Juodokas credit for his “early guilty plea”.
He said if Juodokas were ever arrested he would be taken straight to prison to serve his sentence.