Bradley Davidge in court for growing marijuana at Widgee
Kilos of growing and harvested pot found at a former horticulturist’s home near Gympie was to give – not sell – to others, a court has heard, prompting the judge to make an amusing observation.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Widgee labourer has avoided jail after being caught with more marijuana than he could possible smoke himself.
Bradley Davidge, 48, was caught by police with more than 12kg of the drug when they searched his property on July 18, 2023.
Gympie District Court heard officers found 270 plants weighing 9.27kg during the search.
Another 3.11kg of harvested marijuana was found in smaller amounts around the home, as well as a coffee grinder and bong.
He had been growing the drug for several months,
Despite the large amount, the court heard there was no allegation the Davidge was growing it to sell commercially.
It was instead told it was not entirely for his own use, and he was giving it to others.
Judge Michael Byrne accepted this, saying he “wouldn’t have any lungs left if he smoked all of this (himself)”.
“It’s an awful lot of cannabis,” he said.
Defence lawyer Chris Anderson said Davidge, a father of two, was a former qualified horticulturist who had previously worked in a nursery.
He was now working as a labourer, cutting timber for fence posts.
The court heard he had two previous court appearances for possessing marijuana in 1999 and 2000.
Mr Anderson said his client had “significantly” changed his attitude towards the drug he had been using for medicinal purposes given the “costly” exercise of facing court.
‘Toxic’ culture could see firefighters walk as Qld faces horror season
Why $350k may no longer be enough for a home in the Wide Bay
The court heard Davidge had sought permission to grow the drug legally, but the restrictions were cumbersome.
Mr Byrne said nevertheless, it was still considered dangerous under the law.
Davidge pleaded guilty to producing dangerous drugs in excess of 500g, possessing dangerous drugs in excess of 500g, possessing hydroponic equipment, and possessing a drug utensil.
Mr Byrne sentenced him to six months’ jail, with the term suspended for 12 months.
Taxi driver loses bid for protection against alleged workplace bullying
A Bundaberg taxi driver has lost her bid for protection against alleged workplace bullying after Australia’s employment watchdog found she was not covered by the legislation.
Prison better than being homeless: Man’s miserable reason for crimes
A homeless man deliberately threw a bottle at a police station and fessed up to another crime police wouldn’t have otherwise pinged him for in an effort to return to jail, a court has heard.