Couple grew dope in family home

A judge has asked that a couple convicted of growing a large amount of cannabis in the family home be investigated by the country’s child welfare agency.

On Thursday, Andrew James Gallagher and Danielle Rose Lovus appeared in the New Plymouth District Court where they both pleaded guilty to charges of cultivating cannabis and possession of the class C drug.

Judge Garry Barkle told the court the couple’s Merrilands address in New Plymouth was searched by police on the morning of August 23 after officers obtained a search warrant.

At the time, Lovus was at home with two of the pair’s four children.

During the search, a black plastic bag and cardboard box was found in the wardrobe of the main bedroom, which contained a total of two kilograms of cannabis leaf.

About 79 grams of cannabis head was found in two ziplock bags in a chest of drawers, the judge said.

In the downstairs basement, a 16 metre square growing tent was found, which contained 26 plant seedlings and one mature plant.

Equipment, including lamps and fans used to assist in the growing process, had also been set up, Judge Barkle said.

The judge said there was no evidence of profiteering from the drug growing operation and the ‘‘significant’’ amount of cannabis found had been for the duo’s own use.

At the hearing, the judge raised

The judge raised concerns about the couple’s children being exposed to drug use.

concerns about the couple’s children being exposed to drug use and inquired whether police had made a referral for the family situation to be investigated by Oranga Tamariki.

It was confirmed in court that no such referral had been made.

He said Lovus was a first offender, but Gallagher had previous convictions for cannabis cultivation and possession but these dated back to the 1980s and 1990s.

As such, Gallagher faced a stiffer penalty and was ordered to do 120 hours of community work and complete a nine-month supervision sentence.

He was also fined $300, plus court costs.

Lovus was fined a total of $1300 plus court costs.

She was also given a nine month supervision term.

Judge Barkle also made a referral to Oranga Tamariki, to consider whether a family group conference was needed regarding the children’s welfare.

‘‘I’m concerned that the situation is looked at by the authorities,’’ he said.

Lovus, who cried at times during the hearing, was comforted in the dock by Gallagher and the two were observed to hold hands.