Jamie Scott Spencer, 27, from Scenic Rim in Beenleigh Court for 150kg of cannabis

A Queensland man caught with over 150kg of cannabis, two grow rooms sourced by stolen electricity and 185 plants, has told a court it was all for personal use.

Jamie Scott Spencer, 27, leaving Beenleigh District Court

A Scenic Rim man caught with over 150kg of cannabis, two grow rooms sourced by stolen electricity and 185 plants has told a court it was for personal use.

Jamie Scott Spencer, 27, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh District Court to producing a dangerous drug of more than 500g and stealing.

The court heard the man’s Scenic Rim family home was raided by police on September 7, 2022 and they found a highly sophisticated cannabis growing operation.

Police found two grow rooms, 185 plants containing 159kg of cannabis and a diverted electrical supply.

The court heard Spencer diverted electricity from the main supply to power the two grow rooms, for which he was charged with stealing from power supplier Energex.

Spencer’s defence lawyer said the cannabis was purely for personal use and there was no evidence of commerciality.

He said Spencer complied with reporting conditions while on bail, had no criminal history and was likely to never reoffend.

The court heard Spencer started growing cannabis during Covid in 2020 after he lost his job.

Judge John Allen said it was hard to believe such a large quantity of the drug was only for personal use.

“It is manifestly absurd that 150kg is for personal use but I have to proceed on the basis that it was for personal use,” he said.

“Police found a large and sophisticated hydroponic set-up when they raided your address, there was quite a deal of equipment to handle cultivation.

“You also diverted power to avoid the main supply and stole electricity from Energex.”

Spencer was sentenced to an 18-month period of probation and a conviction was recorded.

“The probation order is there to assist you and I hope you take advantage of the help provided,” said Judge Allen.