Barnsley Man Jailed for Rigging Homes with 'Home Alone' Booby Traps to Protect Drug Operation
Published 10 February 2026
Highlights
- Ian Claughton, 60, was sentenced to seven years for rigging his properties with booby traps to protect a cannabis operation in Barnsley.
- His ex-wife, Lesley Claughton, received a 21-month suspended sentence for her involvement in the drug and firearms offences.
- Police raids in May 2024 uncovered imitation firearms, a flamethrower, and £27,000 hidden in a sofa, leading to the evacuation of 130 nearby properties.
- Claughton claimed the traps were inspired by the film "Home Alone" and denied intending harm, despite possessing explosive substances and firearms.
- The couple's arrest followed the interception of parcels from China containing imitation firearms by UK Border Force officers.
A Barnsley man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after transforming his properties into a fortress of booby traps to shield his drug enterprise. Ian Claughton, 60, was found guilty of multiple drug and firearms offences at Doncaster Crown Court, alongside his ex-wife, Lesley Claughton, who received a 21-month suspended sentence.
Elaborate Security Measures
The couple's criminal activities came to light when UK Border Force officers intercepted parcels from China addressed to Lesley Claughton, containing imitation firearms. This discovery prompted police raids on their properties in Grimethorpe, Barnsley, in May 2024. The raids revealed a sophisticated network of traps, including fishing wire, adapted crow-scarers, and a homemade flamethrower fashioned from a fire extinguisher.
Discovery of Drugs and Cash
Inside the properties, authorities found two primed mantraps, firearms, and four large bags of cannabis buds valued at £16,000. A secret room housed a cannabis growing setup with 24 plants, while 1.5kg of amphetamine was discovered at Lesley Claughton's home. Additionally, £27,000 in cash was found stitched into a sofa, which the couple claimed was from car boot sales and inheritance.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
During the trial, Ian Claughton admitted to importing a realistic imitation firearm and producing Class B drugs, namely cannabis and amphetamine. He was also convicted of possessing firearms, explosive substances, and criminal property. Despite the elaborate traps, Claughton insisted they were inspired by the film "Home Alone" and intended to deter intruders without causing harm.
What this might mean
The sentencing of Ian Claughton highlights the lengths to which individuals may go to protect illegal operations, raising concerns about the potential dangers posed to communities. The case underscores the importance of vigilance by law enforcement agencies, such as the UK Border Force, in intercepting illegal imports. Moving forward, authorities may increase scrutiny on similar operations, potentially leading to more stringent regulations on the importation of imitation firearms. Legal experts suggest that this case could set a precedent for harsher penalties in drug-related offences involving dangerous security measures.
