Gregory Codling pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a drug of dependence in the Bendigo Magistrates Court yesterday.

He also entered a plea of guilty to two counts of failing to answer bail.

Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Jeff Lavery said police found the cannabis stashed in a plastic bag outside Codling’s house in Tresco, about two hours north of Bendigo, in December last year.

Codling wasn’t home at the time so police left a copy of the search warrant on the fridge, he said.

The court heard that after discovering the warrant Codling fled but later handed himself in to police.

During the hearing the court heard that Codling had previously spent time in jail for similar drug charges including trafficking.

However, defence lawyer Juliana Smith said although Codling had no excuse for possessing the cannabis, she said there was no evidence it was to be used for the purpose of trafficking.

“He is genuinely embarrassed and feels ashamed,” she said.

Magistrate Bruce Cottrill said the court needed to look at the charges in relation to Codling’s prior history and noted that the cannabis was found just two months after Codling had been released from prison.

For the possession charge Mr Cottrill sentenced Codling to six months’ jail. He also convicted and fined him $600 for the two counts of failing to answer bail.

Codling will return to court in May for a further charge of blackmail.