A NANGWARRY man has received a small fine for growing four cannabis plants in the rear of his yard.
Hagop Allan Bley, 60, appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court to be sentenced for cultivating up to the prescribed number of cannabis plants.
The prosecution said police executed a general search warrant of Bley’s property at around 5.40pm on February 3.
Upon searching the house, officers located four plants growing in pots in the rear of the defendant’s property.
Three of the plants were 40cm high, while one had grown to 1.2 metres.
Bley was interviewed by police and said the plants were grown for his own personal use due to chronic back pain.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson cited that Bley had been sentenced for a similar offence a long time ago.
Bley said he started using cannabis again as a method of pain relief.
“I started using it again to see if it would work for sleep,” Bley said.
“I have a lot of health problems.”
Magistrate Anderson raised concerns about the illegal activity.
“You are aware it is an offence to grow cannabis?” Magistrate Anderson said.
“The law does not allow you to grow it.”
Bley was convicted and fined $400 for the offending.
Magistrate Anderson warned Bley he could receive a term of imprisonment if he committed a similar offence in the future.
