David Alexander Charle Matthews in Maroochydore court for drug production

An ophthalmologist who had a previous tilt for mayor in the southeast has copped a hefty fine for growing marijuana among his micro vegetables.

David Matthews leaves Maroochydore District Court.

A former Sunshine Coast ophthalmologist who ran for the Mayor of Redcliffe has been fined $3000 after police found him growing cannabis plants on his farm.

David Alexander Charle Matthews’ Black Mountain property was searched by police in April 2022 where they found a hydroponic growing facility in a shed.

Maroochydore District Court heard the shed had marijuana plants at different stages of growth and some seedlings, with a total wet weight of 20kg.

Inside the house officers also found 1g of dried cannabis and a smoking pipe.

The 60-year-old told police he used the plant to make cannabis oil for his own use.

Matthews’ defence barrister said his client had osteoarthritis and used the oil for joint pain.

The defence barrister said his client completed an apprenticeship in ophthalmology and ran optometrist practices on the Sunshine Coast until he sold the business and moved into agriculture.

David Matthews leaves Maroochydore District Court.

The court heard Matthews currently owned a successful micro vegetable farm using hydroponics to grow the crops that he distributed to restaurants.

Matthews’ counsel said Matthews first entered the public arena at the age of 20 when he ran for Mayor of Redcliffe and had been a contributing member of the community ever since.

Matthews was Vice President of the RSL, was a member of The Lions for five years and did volunteer work.

Mr Pearson said his client had a high level of remorse and entered a timely plea of guilty.

Matthew was fined $3000 for the offences of producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils and possessing anything used in the commission of a crime.

No convictions were recorded.

Originally published as David Alexander Charle Matthews in Maroochydore court for drug production