A 69-year-old Mandurah pensioner has been fined $1800 after police uncovered an extensive backyard cannabis crop at a Halls Head home.
Gary James Kennedy pleaded guilty to possessing and cultivating cannabis when he appeared in the Mandurah Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Police prosecutor Tamara Read told the court detectives found 19 cannabis plants between 50 centimetres to two metres in length when conducting a search of the Tasker Street home, about 8.15am on January 15.
Senior Constable Read said police found 250 milliliters of cannabis oil in the kitchen.
Kennedy's lawyer Clare Hay said her client used cannabis to treat his physical and mental health issues and it was solely for personal use.
Ms Hay said Kennedy had discussed the benefits of using cannabis oil with his GP, who told her client there was no scientific proof for using the drug, but suggested it "was not going to hurt".
Magistrate Anne Longden told the court Kennedy had not been "in trouble" with the law before.
"You didn't think you'd be here at this age," she said.
"I am told you will not be doing this again."
Ms Longden said Kennedy would have to find alternative ways to treat his health conditions.
Kennedy was fined $1800 and $205.30 court costs.
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
