A LAKE Clifton man convicted in Mandurah Magistrates Court on Friday of possession and cultivation of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia said he grew the drug for his partner who suffered from chronic pain.
Bradley Allan Brown pleaded guilty to the three charges which stemmed from a June 19 search of his home.
Police executing a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant uncovered a hydroponic set-up in Mr Brown’s rear shed.
Officers found nine small plants and 234.18 grams of cut cannabis as well as two pipes and scissors used for cutting the plant.
Counsel for Mr Brown said his client never consumed the drug himself and grew cannabis to provide pain relief to his partner.
Described as having no interest in commercial gain and a hatred of drug dealers, Mr Brown’s offences were described as having been committed under “exceptional circumstances” by his lawyer.
The court heard Mr Brown’s partner had struggled to get on top of her pain issues but traditional methods have left her unwell.
Cannabis was “the only thing that worked at the time”, according to the lawyer.
Mr Brown was described as having been cooperative with police and Magistrate Vivien Edwards said a term of imprisonment was not warranted in this case.
Mr Brown was fined $3500 plus costs.
The cannabis was ordered to be destroyed.
