Keilor East cannabis trafficker Cassius Canfield sentenced after Brandon Ellis court reference
Gold Coast defender Brandon Ellis fresh off an upset win over his old club has a second reason to smile after he helped his drug trafficking mate beat jail.
North West
Don't miss out on the headlines from North West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A drug-trafficking plumber has avoided a jail stint after he was given a glowing reference from AFL premiership star Brandon Ellis.
Cassius Canfield, 30, was sentenced in the County Court on Friday to a three-year Community Correction Order after pleading guilty to cultivating and trafficking cannabis.
Canfield, who was also supported in court by his fiance Tarryn Macklin, was busted at his rented Keilor East home early on February 27 last year.
Investigators discovered a hydroponic set up with eight plants growing in the rear garage of the Wunnamurra Drive house.
Police also seized almost 3kg of harvested and loose cannabis, more than 60g of speed, some cocaine and heroin, deal bags, 11 mobile phones, computers and $12,650 cash.
Police also raided Canfield’s Keilor East factory where they discovered a second hydroponic set up with six plants weighing almost 20kg.
Canfield, who also pleaded guilty to theft of electricity, was arrested, charged and bailed.
The court heard Canfield is a qualified plumber and co-director of heating and aircon company Brofield Group.
It was submitted Canfield has put more time into his business since his arrest and stopped using drugs after his “wake up call”.
Canfield, who earns up to $1200 a week, now lives with Ms Macklin and their infant child.
Ellis, a top flight Gold Coast Suns defender, joined the virtual court link for his pal at last month’s plea hearing after tendering a reference backing Canfield.
Judge Michael Cahill said Ellis knew Canfield from a young age and the former Richmond premiership hero was confident his mate would commit no further “wrongdoing”.
Canfield read an apology letter to the court where he said sorry to family, friends and those who provided references including Ellis.
“I knew I needed to seek help,” Canfield said.
“I want to be the best possible father to my newborn child. I don't want to let my family down again … I really have done my best to be a better person in every aspect of my life.
“I’m on a mission, I’m not a bad person I just made some bad decisions.”
Prosecutor Holly Baxter had submitted Canfield was the “principle in the enterprise”.
“He is certainly not a crop sitter …,” Ms Baxter said.
“There is significance evidence of enrichment … it’s a high level … and serious example of a simpliciter charge.”
Canfield must also serve 250 hours of community work and undertake drug treatment.
How Hadfield plans to go to the next level
New Hadfield coach Andrew Beever has hit the ground running at the Hawks with several impressive signings including some to bolster the key position stocks. Go inside his arrival.
‘Cars are not toys’: Tradie slugged for suburban burnout
A tradie who is a soon-to-be-father and a hoon decided to burn some rubber with a big burnout outside a house in Bulla — all in front of a Victoria Police officer.