Scott Funch turned to drugs after tragically losing his young son to a brain tumour

The heartbreaking story of a hard-working dad who made the wrong choice has played out before a Yeppoon court.

Scott Funch with his son Kye who tragically lost his life to a brain tumour.

The heartbreaking story of a hard-working dad who turned to drugs after his young son died of a brain tumour has been told to a Yeppoon court.

Scott Anthony Funch, 43, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on August 12 to possessing dangerous drugs and drug utensils.

The court heard that police executed a search warrant at Funch’s Yeppoon residence on July 6.

There, officers found two grams of marijuana in a clip-seal bag, one gram of marijuana seeds, several water pipes, six glass pipes, as well as numerous other drug utensils.

Two fireworks sticks were also seized and Funch pleaded guilty to possessing those.

Funch’s solicitor said Funch suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of losing his six-year-old son to a brain tumour in 2019.

The solicitor said after Funch’s son passed, his marriage broke down and he turned to drugs - the marijuana helped him with sleeping and other associated symptoms.

The court heard that Funch worked as an operator and maintainer with water service provider Sunwater and he was attending counselling after realising that he had not received appropriate treatment for his mental health, and accepting that he could not rely on the use of dangerous drugs.

The solicitor said Funch had worked for Sunwater for 14 years, he had no criminal history, and he had no debt with the State Penalties Enforcement Registry.

Acting Magistrate Athol Kennedy ordered Funch to undergo a drug diversion program and placed him on three good behaviour orders – the most significant being for 12 months with a $300 recognisance.

No convictions were recorded.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES:

If you need help with your mental health, the following support services are available:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au