Court hears of builder’s ‘sophisticated’ lengths to grow his own marijuana

While there was no commerciality alleged, the court heard he went “to a lot of trouble” to grow his own crop in a bid to avoid having to interact with others on the drug scene.

The court heard Pentland grew the marijuana so he wouldn’t have to interact with other people in the scene.

A court has heard how a builder grew his own marijuana to stop interacting with “other people in the scene”.

Myles John Pentland pleaded guilty in Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Monday to producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing anything used in the commission of a crime and possessing utensils.

The court heard police searched Pentland’s Apple Tree Creek home in May where they found 33 marijuana plants growing under a hydroponic set-up.

Pentland’s partner was home at the time, but denied any knowledge of the items and attempts were made to contact him.

During the search officers found just over 1.4kg of marijuana in total which were hidden in various areas of a shed including the rafters and in tins.

A couple of joints were also found.

Police also found a bong and the items used in the hydroponic set-up.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Dean Burgess said Pentland came before the court with no history.

The prosecution did not allege the drugs were for a commercial purpose.

Pentland’s lawyer Jennie Walden told the court while there was some level of sophistication to Pentland’s set-up, he was not growing the marijuana for a commercial purpose.

She said there was no messages or money found during the search.

Ms Walden told the court Pentland grew the marijuana to “stop interaction with other people in the scene”.

Both Ms Walden and Sergeant Burgess agreed a fine was within range as a penalty.

Magistrate Andrew Moloney took into account Pentland’s plea of guilty and that it came at an early opportunity.

He also took into account the amount of marijuana that was found and that it was not alleged to be for commercial purposes.

“That said, you’ve gone to a lot of trouble to make your own,” he said.

Mr Moloney said with a lack of history a fine was appropriate.

Pentland received one fine of $1800 for all offences and convictions were not recorded.

All of the items were forfeited for destruction.