A MAN has been jailed for almost three years after he was caught red handed when police raided a cannabis farm.

Despite having a broken ankle at the time Scott Geraghty, 21, attempted to escape through a skylight when officers searched the property in Southport last June.

Geraghty, from Stoney lane in Rainhill pleaded guilty to producing cannabis at Liverpool Crown Court. Judge Stephen Everett, who described it as a “sophisticated operation”, jailed him for two years and ten months.

Police discovered the secret cannabis farm containing 128 plants with a potential street value of £320,000.

The electricity meter has been passed-by and lighting and ventilation systems installed.

Desmond Lennon defending explained that Geraghty was a heavy cannabis user and his dealer had suggested he could make some money by helping trimming cannabis plants.

Mr Lennon said that Geraghty hadn’t realised the scale of the operation adding: “He is sorry and ashamed of what he has done and for letting down himself and his family."