Dunedin District Court
A 33YEAROLD man, of Palmerston at the time but now of Waimate, has been sentenced to community detention, community work and supervision on a conviction for cultivating cannabis.
Isaac Benjamin Donavan was before the Dunedin District Court yesterday having admitted cultivating cannabis, between January 1 and February 11.
The police summary said eight cannabis seedlings were being grown under lights in the sleepout at the defendant’s address, on February 11. Also in the sleepout were five drying cannabis plants.
Growing in pots in a tunnel house at the rear of the section were 12 cannabis plants of varying size and maturity.
In the defendant’s bedroom was another cannabis seed ling, in a pot under lights. And in the bathroom there was a smaller cannabis plant, in a pot.
In the hot water cupboard was a cardboard box containing 67.9g of cannabis.
Public defender Sophia Thorburn said Donavan would be happy to undergo counselling for cannabis addiction and other issues.
Judge Kevin Phillips described as ‘‘a big step forward’’ Donavan moving to Waimate and reuniting with his mother.
He also told Donavan ‘‘maybe by doing to community work you will meet other people . . . and get back into the work force’’.
Donavan’s community detention, for three months, is curfewed 7pm7am.
He is to carry out 70 hours’ community work and will be under nine months’ supervision.
Other convictions
Nicholas Melton Ruxton Patchett (22), chef, of Dunedin, drinkdriving, 600mcg (random breath test), Filleul St, about 1.40am, June 23, fined $600, court costs $130, disqualified six months. Counsel Steve Turner said Patchett was moving his car after drinking at a local establishment.
Fraser John Braid (18), employed, of Dunedin, under20 drinkdriving, 250mcg (stopped by police, said only had one beer, thought would be fine to drive), Main South Rd, Sunnyvale, about 2.55am, May 26, fined $250, court costs $130, disqualified three months.
Benjamin James McBreen (18), of Dunedin, under20 drinkdriving (stopped by police patrol and admitted drinking, stated he drove to get food from McDonalds after some pressure from friends; the court heard he had no previous convictions), 190mcg, Midland St, 3am, June 17, fined $190, court costs $130, three months’ disqualification.
Vila ApuUla (35), builder, of Dunedin, breach of community work (sentenced to 80 hours’ community work in October 2017 for previously breaching communitywork sentence, failed to complete hours within prescribed period; Probation told the court ApuUla had recently completed the sentence, Judge Phillips said the defendant would never be sentenced to community work again), April 30, convicted and discharged.