Leslie Pearce pleads guilty to producing marijuana at Mooloolah Valley home

A Sunshine Coast construction industry veteran who is working with a renowned university on an international project has admitted to growing marijuana from his hinterland home for years.

Leslie John Pearce leaving Maroochydore District Court last week. Picture: Sam Turner

A Sunshine Coast international businessman has escaped a conviction after being caught with kilos of marijuana and a grow farm following a police raid.

Leslie John Pearce was instead handed a heavy fine and community service after admitting to growing marijuana from December 21, 2017 to March 30 last year at his Mooloolah Valley home.

Judge Gary Long handed down his decision in Maroochydore District Court this week after the 56-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one of producing dangerous drugs in excess of 500g.

In sentencing hearings which spanned over two days and began last week, legal officer Liam Dennis said police raided Pearce’s Mooloolah Valley home last year.

Mr Dennis said officers uncovered a “sophisticated” hydroponic cannabis set up which featured fans, lights and timers.

The court heard 16 plants sizes were found, between three to four months old.

The Legal Officer said 29.7kg of marijuana was found, however only 1.68kg of it was loose cannabis, with the remaining weight being the plants themselves.

Instructing solicitor Rebecca Hatcher-Anderson (left) and Leslie John Pearce (right) leaving court.

Pearce admitted to police he had been growing his crop since 2018 for a mix of personal and commercial use.

Mr Dennis said the 56-year-old told police he used it to treat his mental health, but on occasions sold it to up to a dozen friends in half ounce or ounce amounts. He was, however, not charged with drug trafficking.

The court heard police found evidence of three drug deals for marijuana on his phone.

Defence barrister Elliot Boddice said his client made significant admissions of his drug production period, and had leant towards using marijuana after suffering from work injuries during his three decades in the construction industry.

The barrister reiterated the majority of the weight of the drugs was the plants, with the crops not being able to yield much loose cannabis.

Ms Hatcher-Anderson (left) from RK Law and Pearce.

Pearce’s legal team argued the supplies were only to trusted friends as well.

The main point of contention during Pearce’s sentencing hearing last week was the recording of a drug conviction.

Mr Boddice said Pearce was working with the University of Queensland on an international project to assist in the food-shortage crisis through the development of vertical gardens.

He told the court Pearce was building international relations with parties in America, India and the United Arab Emirates, with a conviction having an impact on his ability to travel.

The barrister said Pearce lived a law abiding life and was now prescribed medical cannabis.

Judge Long reserved his decision over to Monday, where he opted not to record a conviction against Pearce.

The Mooloolah Valley man was instead fined $10,000 and made to perform 240 hours’ community service.