Shane Robert Whyte: Bethania drug producer fronts court
A Logan drug producer who was found with almost 1kg of drugs in his possession swerved dangerously off-topic in court, to the alarm of his lawyer.
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A Logan drug producer found with almost 1kg of marijuana in his possession and his own grow lab has boasted to a court he lives next to a police officer who had no idea of the offending.
Bethania disability pensioner Shane Robert Whyte, 40, was charged with six offences including permitting use of place for the commission of a drug offence, producing dangerous drugs and possessing about 860g of marijuana.
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Beenleigh Magistrates Court heard Whyte was busted on January 31 following a search warrant on his address.
In addition to the quantity of marijuana, police also discovered three marijuana plants, bulbs, pots and fans as part of a hydroponic set-up, a bong and digital scales, and two rounds of live ammunition.
The court heard Whyte had a three-page criminal history, filled with a litany of drug offences since 2000, including trafficking, producing and possessing a Schedule 1 quantity of methylamphetamine.
He has served previous stints of actual jail time.
Defence lawyer Michael O’Brien said it was an “unenviable” history but largely dated.
Whyte pleaded guilty to all six offences.
Magistrate Kerrie O’Callaghan placed Whyte on probation for two years.
When she inquired as to his nearest office for probation, Whyte veered dangerously off-topic, to the alarm of Mr O’Brien.
“I live next door to a police officer,” Whyte announced, calling him a “lovely” man.
Mr O’Brien shushed him before he could go further.
Convictions were recorded.