Fined for 'sophisticated' set-up
A 51-YEAR-OLD woman has received a hefty fine after being found with 23 cannabis plants at a Cannonvale home.
Fiona Helen Macpherson pleaded guilty to one count of producing dangerous drugs at Proserpine Magistrates Court on Monday.
Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Matt Saunders said at 11.28am on Wednesday, October 12, police searched a property in Cannonvale. where the drugs were found.
Macpherson was asked if she had anything to declare before informing police about a hydroponics set-up downstairs where cannabis plants were growing.
Macpherson then accompanied police to the storage area, where seven mature plants and 16 smaller plants were found in two separate lots.
Defence solicitor Steven Hayles said Macpherson was spraying the plants with insect spray while her ex-partner was away as a "misguided obligation”.
Magistrate Simon Young said hydroponics was a "sophisticated way” of disguising the growth.
Mr Young took into account Macpherson's lack of criminal history when deciding on the appropriate punishment.
Macpherson was fined $750.
No criminal convictions were recorded.
