In May of 2024, a drug dealer named Ian Claughton was arrested after police discovered his house had been rigged with traps and explosives. Claughton, who was clearly inspired by the movie Home Alone, had set up tripwires and homemade bombs to protect his illegal drug business from intruders. As a result of this dangerous setup, over 100 homes in Grimethorpe, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire had to be evacuated while police searched the area.
During their search, police found not only the traps and explosives, but also a homemade flamethrower, large quantities of cannabis and amphetamines, and a significant amount of cash. As a result of his actions, Claughton was sentenced to seven years in prison by Judge Graham Reeds at Sheffield Crown Court. His ex-wife, Lesley Claughton, was also sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years.
During the trial, prosecutor Helen Chapman noted that Claughton had specifically mentioned the movie Home Alone as his inspiration for the traps and explosives. He even filmed himself using the flamethrower, which was discovered by police during their search. In addition to the weapons and drugs, police also found a note warning that everything in the house was booby-trapped.
One of the houses connected to Claughton and his ex-wife was found to have a fishing wire running across one of the rooms at knee height, attached to an electrical connector and a battery pack. Claughton claimed that these were just crow-scarers used by farmers, but upon further investigation, police also found banger fireworks inside piping, a stun gun, and a homemade flamethrower in a workshop.
The search of the properties also uncovered two high-powered air guns, a crossbow, and £27,000 sewn into a sofa. In addition, police discovered several cannabis plants growing in two of the houses, including some hidden in tents. It was clear that Claughton had not only rigged his house with traps, but also kept weapons and money hidden throughout the property.
Claughton's downfall came when detectives found a package of imitation firearms ordered from China, set to be delivered to his ex-wife. The package was opened at Heathrow Airport and found to contain five small silver-and-black folding five-shot revolvers. It was later discovered that Claughton had ordered these using his ex-wife's eBay account.
After a trial at Doncaster Crown Court, Claughton pleaded guilty to several charges, including bringing a realistic imitation firearm into the country, being concerned in the production of cannabis, and possession with intent to supply class B drugs. He was also convicted of possessing prohibited firearms, possession of criminal property, and possession of explosive substances. His ex-wife, Lesley Claughton, was found guilty of similar charges.
In the end, it was clear that Ian Claughton's attempt to protect his illegal drug business had not only put himself in danger, but also the surrounding community. Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of his actions, but the consequences of his choices led to a significant prison sentence for both him and his ex-wife.
