Joshua Lonesborough charged with cultivating cannabis

A former NSW Police officer traumatised after experiencing institutional racism and a range of horrifying jobs was growing cannabis to self-medicate, a court has heard.

Joshua Lonesborough leaving Nowra Local Court. Picture: Tom McGann.

A former police officer has been caught growing his own cannabis to deal with post traumatic stress and depression provoked by institutional racism and trauma from his time with NSW Police, a court has heard.

Joshua Lonesborough, 33, from Culburra Beach pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis at Nowra Local Court on Tuesday.

The court heard Lonesborough was growing four cannabis plants – each 1.5m in height – for his own use to self-medicate, and not for profit.

Solicitor Rosie Lambert described Lonesborough as a “proud Aboriginal man” who was experiencing significant “shame and embarrassment” about being charged with an offence and being brought before a court.

Ms Lambert said Lonesborough experienced institutional racism and many traumatic jobs during his career with NSW Police, highlighting one incident where Lonesborough was asked to attend a court for NAIDOC Week.

The court heard that while attending, a “very senior” police officer said to Lonesborough: “why are you here in court, you should be out the front standing with your brothers”.

Ms Lambert also told Magistrate Lisa Viney that Lonesborough had experienced the kind of trauma in his brief career that some police officers never see in many years of service.

The court heard Lonesborough had to attend a murder suicide, a suicide, and witnessed a “terribly decomposed body” all in the span of a few weeks during his employment with NSW Police in Bega, Eden and Merimbula.

“He drives past roadkill and the smell can trigger some of the more distressing experiences, taking him right back to where he was,” Ms Lambert said.

Agreed police facts tendered to Nowra Local Court stated Lonesborough left the police force to start a painting business and had joined a waiting list for medical cannabis.

“Trying to secure medi-can proved difficult,” agreed facts stated.

“The accused grew the cannabis, tended to it and ensured it received water and nutrients.”

On October 18, South Coast Police District officers investigating hydroponically grown cannabis in the Shoalhaven area were granted a search warrant for Lonesborough’s house.

Police raided his home the following day, discovering the four 1.5m high cannabis plants in his garage.

Lonesborough informed officers the plants were his and explained why he had grown them, agreed facts stated.

Ms Viney said the maximum potential fine for the offence was $5500.

“You’re suffering severe anxiety and depression which provides an explanation,” she said.

“The cannabis was for personal use, not monetary gain … you’re gainfully employed and otherwise a productive member of the community.”

Lonesborough was given a 12-month conditional release order without conviction or fine.