Byron Bay doughnut maker Philip Michael Hargreaves caught growing weed

The owner of a Byron Bay organic doughnut business — present at festivals across the country — has faced court after his island home was raided for drugs.

A Byron Bay organic doughnut stand owner and festival caterer has faced court for his homegrown backyard pot supply. Picture: Facebook.

A Byron Bay organic doughnut stand owner has faced court after police discovered a shed in his backyard filled with his own pot supply.

Macleay Island’s Philip Michael Hargreaves, 62, was raided by police where they discovered him growing cannabis plants in a shed on his property.

Police from the firearms and cannabis team raided the Macleay Island home on High Central Rd on March 27 this year where they found five cannabis plants growing in his shed.

“They were approximately 50cm tall and were under lights,” the police prosecutor told Cleveland Magistrates Court.

“He told police he had planted them five weeks ago and watered and fertilised them.”

Hargreaves’ lawyer, Andy Bazzi, said his client — who pleaded guilty to producing drugs — owned a doughnut catering company.

“He owns and operates Byron Bay Organic Donuts,” Mr Bazzi said.

“He makes doughnuts for festivals across South Australia, NSW and Queensland.”

Mr Bazzi said his client suffered from chronic back pain after working as a labourer for many years.

“He decided to try cannabis to self medicate,” he said.

“He is now taking steps to obtain a script for prescription cannabis.”

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said Hargreaves had done the right thing in admitting to producing the cannabis to police.

“He’s probably one of the very very small fish on their radar, I’m not sure what they were expecting to find,” Ms Vasta said.

Hargreaves was placed on a $400 good behaviour bond for 12 months.