A 39-year-old man has been fined $1000, and forced to pay $452.80 in court costs, for growing cannabis inside his Eaton home.
Attending Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 21, Robert John Lelifeld pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing cannabis, one of cultivating cannabis, and one of possessing drug paraphernalia.
Police prosecutor sergeant Darren Clifton told the court officers searched Lelifeld's residence on Friday, February 22.
Police located a hydroponic set-up in his garage, containing eight mature cannabis plants. More plants were then found in the backyard.
Approximately 650 grams of cannabis material and two glass smoking implements were uncovered during the operation.
Lelifeld admitted to owning the cannabis and drug paraphernalia for personal use.
The court heard that, of the 650g of cannabis material, only 320g/10 ounces of it was usable.
Lelifeld's defence counsel, Ntuthuko Mcingolwane, confirmed Lelifeld had accepted the facts and had pleaded at an early opportunity.
Mr Mcingolwane noted that his client was seeking to address his issues.
The defence said a community based order would assist Lelifeld with his ongoing rehabilitation.
Mr Mcingolwane said rehab would help to prevent Lelifeld from committing further offences.
Magistrate David Maclean handed down a six-month community based order with supervision requirements.
Lelifeld will be required to undergo 20 hours of community service.
Mr Maclean warned Lelifeld that further offences would lead to jail time.
An order for destruction was also granted.
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