Young couple risks freedom and future for drugs

“You are very foolish”: Drug producers’ wake-up call after police stormed their home.

Picture: ThinkStock / Getty Images

A YOUNG woman and man risked their futures and freedom on growing a marijuana at their Mapleton home.

Kayla Marie Marston, 21, and her 23-year-old partner, who the Daily chose not to name since he has passed away, pleaded guilty today to one charge each of unlawfully producing about 4.86kg of marijuana as well as possessing 223g of the drug and utensils including a number of smoking pipes, bongs, scales and grinders.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing the drug known as DMT, and a magic mushroom.

Maroochydore District Court today heard the pair were cooperative during a police raid which uncovered six marijuana seedlings and eight plants at their home on March 6.

Crown prosecutor Katherine Milbourne said the pair admitted to having grown the drug for their own use over about six months from September 6, 2018 and the day of the raid.

The man's defence barrister Lily Brisick told the court her client was a nursery worker and had returned to live with his family since he was charged.

She said in the months since, he had sought psychological help and "has no desire to return to drug use".

Defence barrister Nathan Turner said Marston, a hospitality assistant manager, was also clean of drugs.

Mr Turner said Marston reported she felt marijuana had "impacted her memory and intelligence" and was "holding her back".

Marston's grandparents supported her in court and said they had recently seen her blossom, and now felt they had their "little girl back".

The man was sentenced to nine months' probation and Marston was fined $1000.

Convictions were not recorded.

Chief Judge Kerry O'Brien said the defendants were "very foolish" to have risked their futures on involving themselves in the "drug environment".

Originally published as Young couple risks freedom and future for drugs