Ian Claughton was jailed after police found explosives, weapons and cannabis grow sites
A man who turned three neighbouring properties into heavily fortified drug dens, complete with improvised explosive devices and a homemade flamethrower, has been jailed.
Ian Claughton, 59, was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment at Sheffield Crown Court on 10 February 2026. His partner, Lesley Claughton, 58, received a 21-month sentence suspended for two years for her role in the operation.
The pair had previously been convicted in November of multiple offences, including firearms and explosives offences, drug production and possession of criminal property.
Police from the Regional Organised Crime Unit raided three properties on Brierley Road in Barnsley on 8 May 2024 after intercepting a delivery of imitation firearms ordered from China to Lesley Claughton’s address. Officers discovered that the couple had converted the neighbouring homes they owned into fortified sites designed to protect a substantial drug enterprise.
Prosecutors told the court that Ian Claughton had referred to his defences as “Home Alone style traps”. However, the devices uncovered were real and capable of causing serious harm. Firearms experts gave evidence that the weapons were illegal and specifically adapted to deter intruders.
Among the items seized were multiple air weapons, dangerous firearms and tripwire-activated explosive devices made from crow-scarers inserted into plastic piping. One device was concealed in a bag of paint. Officers also found a homemade flamethrower constructed from a modified fire extinguisher filled with petrol, with a candle taped to its side. Warning signs were displayed around the properties.
Inside the three addresses, officers uncovered six cannabis grow sites containing 59 plants, estimated to be worth £62,000 in an ongoing production cycle. They also seized 2kg of cannabis valued at £27,730 and amphetamine worth up to £16,910, which was hidden in a Maltesers box in Lesley Claughton’s fridge.
Nearly £30,000 in cash was found concealed in a sofa. The couple claimed the money had been inherited and kept in cash by preference. The prosecution argued there was no legitimate reason to hide such a sum in that manner and said it represented criminal proceeds.
The case was prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service. Helen Wragg, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said the weapons and traps were designed to protect a significant drug operation and posed real danger.
Ian Claughton was convicted of ten offences, including possessing prohibited firearms, possessing an explosive substance, possessing Class B drugs with intent to supply, and being concerned in the production of Class B drugs. Lesley Claughton was convicted of drug offences, causing an imitation firearm to be brought into Great Britain, and possessing criminal property.