Crib Point dope grower nabbed with dozens of plants, seedlings
A Crib Point cannabis-cultivating carpenter who was happy to admit his hash habit had an unusual request for arresting cops.
South East
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A stoner who says he “smokes too much weed” asked cops after he was arrested for cultivating cannabis if he could light up a joint during the police interview.
Nathaniel Sherard Stueven said a large hydroponic set-up found in a Crib Point garage “was all his” — even though he was barred by a court from attending the property.
The 50-year-old carpenter said the dozens of plants and seedlings were all for personal consumption and he did not sell his drugs.
When being spoken to by detectives about the massive marijuana haul he said he would be more than happy if he was allowed to toke during questioning.
His request was refused.
Stueven pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
He also admitted breaching court orders by repeatedly attending the Crib Point house to tend his plants and visit people who he shouldn’t have.
The court heard drug squad detectives raided the property at 8am on May 18 last year.
They found 20 mature cannabis pants, eight semi-mature plants and 55 seedlings in a garage, weighing 13kg wet.
Stueven was not present at the time and a whereabouts was issued.
When he was later arrested he admitted he had been living there and the plants were his.
He said he couldn’t recall many details about the court order barring him from the home because “I smoke too much weed to remember”.
He said “I smoke lots, I would smoke right now (during the interview) if I was allowed to”.
His defence lawyer said there was no evidence of any dealing, no scales, no phones and no ‘tick list’.
He said Stueven was “an entrenched cannabis user” and for someone who was a long-term habitual smoker that amount of dope was “not so much”.
He said he shouldn’t be imprisoned because he had to look after his elderly mother.
Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge said not only was the quantity of marijuana high, the fact it was being grown hydroponically also meant it would be a higher quality.
“That amount becomes problematic in him saying it’s all for personal use,” Mr Lethbridge said.
He said Stueven wasn’t even meant to be at that location.
“He blithely continues to live there because he has cannabis to cultivate there,” he said.
“He believes his rights trump those of the court.”
He said he required evidence of his mother’s medical condition and a supporting letter detailing his caring duties before he could decide on what penalty to impose.
The case was adjourned and Stueven will be sentenced on March 3.
