Matthew Alexander Rhodes was fined $1000 in Noosa Magistrates Court after he was caught growing marijuana plants in a hydroponic set-up at a North Arm address on September 19

A Coast father who found a new hobby in hydroponic set-ups during the Covid-19 lockdown landed in hot water when police stumbled across his marijuana crop.

Matthew Alexander Rhodes leaving Noosa Magistrates Court after being sentenced for producing and possessing dangerous drugs. Picture: Laura Pettigrew

A Yandina father caught growing marijuana in his bathroom said he had taken an interest in hydroponic set-ups during the Covid-19 lockdown, a court has heard.

Matthew Alexander Rhodes was fined $1000 in Noosa Magistrates Court on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to growing a number of marijuana plants at a North Arm address.

Police Prosecutor Pedau Grabbe said police had just arrived to search the address on September 19 when they found five one-inch marijuana plants in pots, two 80cm plants growing in a hydroponic set-up and 129g of the drug in labelled jars.

“Police located a hydroponic cannabis set-up in the bathroom which contained an enclosed grow room with exhaust fans, lights and pipes to assist the hydroponic growth of two large cannabis plants,” she said.

Rhodes told police he was growing the drug for personal use.

“ …(Rhodes) told police during lockdown and Covid he had taken an interest in hydroponic set-ups,” Constable Grabbe said.

Solicitor Jacob Pruden said the tiler of 20 years used the drug for pain relief and had organised to have an appointment regarding a prescription.

He said the father of two worked up to six days a week and suggested a fine as an appropriate punishment.

Mr Pruden said police had attended the address to look for someone else when they stumbled across Rhodes’ crop.

The court heard character references spoke warmly of Rhodes.

Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin said the father’s offending was made more serious by the amount of effort put into the hydroponic set-up.

Mr McLaughlin noted Rhodes had no criminal history and didn’t record a conviction.