Former taxman sentenced for growing cannabis in Toowoomba

A former Australian Taxation Office employee fronted the Toowoomba Magistrates Court after police stumbled upon his small, but blossoming cannabis crop.

John Daniel Gallagher pleaded guilty to growing ten cannabis plants.

When police arrived at John Daniel Gallagher’s Archibald St home to speak to him about an unrelated matter, they found his front door open, but no one answered.

The officer walked to the rear of the property where the happened upon ten cannabis plants, ranging from 20cm to 1m in height.

Gallagher, 61, returned home a short time later and was met by the officer.

Appearing in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Thursday, Gallagher admitted to the officers that he owned the plants, that he watered and fertilised them.

The court heard Gallagher handed over a small quantity of dried cannabis.

Acting for the defence, solicitor Amber Acreman said Gallagher worked for the Australian Taxation Office before enrolling in a PDH in international relations.

Ms Acreman added her client smoked cannabis to relieve back pain, and that he had spoken with his doctor about getting access to medicinal cannabis.

“Unfortunately, the cost for him, being on a pension, makes it unobtainable,” she said.

In sentencing, Magistrate Kay Ryan took note of Gallagher’s age, his early plea and a reference letter from his doctor.

“I have to administer the law and the law says cannabis is illegal,” she said.

“There are some instances where it is clear you use it for medicinal purposes, but you are not on the official program.

Gallagher pleaded guilty to one count each of producing and possessing a dangerous drug.

He was fined $450, with no conviction recorded.