A MAN being stopped by police for driving without a seatbelt led to a series of discoveries, resulting in uncovering of the location of several cannabis plants being hydroponically grown.
Peter David Barton, 43, appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court last Tuesday facing charges of cultivating and trafficking cannabis and possessing prescribed equipment.
The prosecution said police stopped a car at around 7.30am on April 26 in Mount Gambier after noticing the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
When they spoke to Barton, who was the driver of the vehicle, they detected a strong smell of cannabis.
Police obtained a warrant to search the defendant’s premises and located 1kg of dried cannabis.
They also found 16 cannabis plants being grown hydroponically in two separate rooms.
The prosecution said most of the plants were small and Barton claimed the cannabis was for personal use.
Mobile phone messages on the defendant’s phone indicated the defendant had given cannabis to friends, which he admitted.
The defendant’s lawyer said the defendant was previously an alcoholic and turned to cannabis as a form of self-medication.
A submission was made the cannabis was used to make cannabis oil.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson made it clear in her sentencing remarks such activity was illegal.
She also highlighted the fact the defendant had no prior drug-related convictions and indicated she would show some leniency for the offending.
Barton was sentenced to six months imprisonment, which would be suspended on him entering a $500, three-year good behaviour bond.
Magistrate Anderson ordered the destruction of the cannabis and forfeiture of the hydroponic equipment.
