A drug dealer has been jailed for seven years after rigging properties with booby traps inspired by the film Home Alone. Ian Claughton, 60, was convicted of drugs and firearms offences at Doncaster Crown Court.
The court heard that Claughton and his ex-wife Lesley heavily fortified three houses in Grimethorpe, South Yorkshire, using modified crow scarers, stun guns, a homemade flame-thrower and fishing wire. Prosecutor Helen Chapman said Claughton admitted aiming for a Home Alone effect.
Police raids followed interception of parcels from China containing imitation firearms. Approximately 130 nearby properties were evacuated while a bomb squad dealt with the traps. Officers found £27,000 sewn into a sofa, a crossbow, knives and amphetamines hidden in a breadbin and a Maltesers box.
Detective Superintendent Al Burns said Claughton developed a "siege mentality" and drew inspiration from the film. Lesley Claughton received a 21-month suspended sentence.
