Silus Boyes faces Coffs Harbour court over outstanding cannabis farm offences

A key player in a major Mid North Coast drug network previously punished for a shotgun shootout, has faced court again over a huge cannabis plantation.

Silus Boyes will remain behind bars until 2026. Picture: NSW Police.

A key player in a major Mid North Coast drug network previously punished for a shotgun shootout, has faced court from prison for cultivating a cannabis farm of almost 750 plants.

Silus Boyes was sentenced to nine years in prison with a non-parole period of more than five years after he pleaded guilty to gun and drug charges at Coffs Harbour District Court last year.

The 44-year-old man, appearing from prison, pleaded guilty to cultivating a prohibited plant (large commercial quantity) and knowingly taking part in cultivating when he faced the court again on January 31.

Boyes watered and maintained the farm containing 746 plants between May and September 2020, the court heard.

Silus Boyes will remain behind bars until 2026. Picture: NSW Police.

Judge Jonathan Priestley told the court the charges could result in a maximum jail term of 15 years – a reflection of the severity of the offending.

Boyes was in conversation with two co-accused in 2020, saying he would take care of “irrigation and plant pumping”, according to police documents.

Mr Priestley described Boyes as “a person turning up to water plants”.

He said Boyes completed several TAFE courses, was productive in jail and wanted to be a loving parent.

“He has demonstrated prosocial behaviour in jail and it’s realistic he could reflect this in the community,” Mr Priestley said.

Mr Priestley took into account a background of childhood trauma, family violence and alcohol abuse.

Boyes was sentenced to 24 months jail-time from June 18, 2025, with a non-parole period of 15 months.

He is due to be released on parole in September 2026.