A father who “corrupted” his son into helping him run a thriving drugs factory has been jailed for almost four years.

Steven Miller, who suffers from a debilitating spine condition, hobbled to the cells on crutches to begin his sentence on Friday.

His son Tyler, 23, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment suspended for two years after a judge told him he had escaped immediate custody by the skin of his teeth.

Steven Miller, 51, grew cannabis plants at a three-storey town house in Brewer Street, Maidstone, and supplied the drug to other addicts.

Prosecutor Alexia Zimbler said police raided the house - rented for £750 a month - and found 107 plants in tents in the basement and another 30 in a second floor bedroom.
“It contained all the equipment required to cultivate cannabis,” she told Maidstone Crown Court.

Also found were electronic scales and tick lists and messages indicating dealing. The electricity had been bypassed. Cash totalling £2,000 was seized.

“The property had been changed in such a way there was pipe work from the basement into the living room on the ground floor and into the chimney breast for ventilation,” said Miss Zimbler.

“The set-up could be classed as professional. Also found was a Taser stun gun and baseball bat.”

Miss Zimbler said the possible yield from the cannabis could have a street value of up to £116,000.

Miller had previous convictions for violence, but none for drugs. He admitted producing cannabis, two offences of possessing it with intent to supply, abstracting electricity and possessing the stun gun.

Tyler Miller, also of Brewer Street, admitted producing cannabis and being concerned in supply of the drug.

As part of his sentence he will have to complete 150 hours unpaid work will be under a curfew from 8pm to 5am for three months.

Jailing Steven Miller for three years and 10 months, Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said: “This was plainly a substantial business operation. I have no doubt the motivation was financial to general a substantial income.

“It is in my view a seriously aggravating feature that you involved your son in your offending. You must take responsibility for corrupting him.”

The judge told Tyler Miller his father had let him down badly. “Without his malign influence it is reasonable to assume you would not have offended in such a way,” he added.

DC Amy Ezzi said: "The sentences handed to Steven and Tyler Miller reflect the seriousness of this offence. Cannabis is illegal no matter the reasons for consuming it, and the cultivation and supply of cannabis will not be tolerated."