A cannabis farmer admitted looking after almost 600 cannabis plants – but denied tending the ‘one or two thousand’ plants in a Witney industrial unit.

Adhurim Hoxha, 41, was arrested in the wake of a police raid at Avenue Three, off Station Lane, in June.

Appearing before Oxford Crown Court on Thursday morning, Hoxha’s barrister said the Albanian national admitted responsibility for 290 mature plants and 300 younger plants.

However, he denied being responsible for cultivating the 1,000 to 2,000 plants found by police at the Witney industrial estate.

Hoxha, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty on a basis to being concerned in cannabis production. Judge Michael Gledhill QC adjourned the case for sentence on September 23 and gave the Crown Prosecution Service time to confirm whether they accepted the basis of plea.

Det Ch Insp Kelly Glister of Thames Valley Police said in the wake of the raid in June: "This discovery is largely due to community intelligence and reports from the public, so I would like to thank them for their due diligence and also for their patience while officers have been at the scene.

"The scene watch is to remain in place for the rest of the day whilst officers continue to investigate, I am so grateful for your patience whilst this is ongoing."

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