Cultivating cannabis

An Alexandra man convicted of cultivating cannabis was warned by Judge Crosbie of the ‘‘downstream consequences’’ his offending could have on others.

Brad Mervyn Jackson (32), a roofer, was fined $500 and sentenced to six months’ supervision for cultivating cannabis in Alexandra on March 22.

Police found a ‘‘large pile’’ of cannabis on a table in Jackson’s shed, at the back of his house, and another ‘‘large pile’’ on the floor.

Judge Crosbie said there was no information from police about the weight or value of the cannabis, only that there were five plants.

Counsel for Jackson, Kieran Tohill, said the cannabis was for Jackson’s personal use.

But Judge Crosbie warned Jackson about how long cannabis remained in a person’s system, and said roofing was a ‘‘pretty risky’’ occupation for someone who was using cannabis, and potentially for those around him.

Jackson employed three or four others in his roofing business, Mr Tohill said.

Judge Crosbie said he was ‘‘not going to give a long lecture on the use of cannabis’’, but encouraged Jackson ‘‘to reflect on the possible flowon’’ effects of his cannabis use within his occupation.

Jackson was also ordered to complete any alcohol or drug assessments or treatment as required.