A man found with cannabis plants so large they have been compared to Christmas trees has admitted to numerous drug and weapons offences.
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Laanecoorie resident Thomas Patrick McCarthy, 52, appeared in the County Court on Wednesday.
The court heard McCarthy's property was raided in April last year and police found a greenhouse, surrounded by a six-foot high fence.
Inside were 17 cannabis plants, which were about 10 feet tall and nearly two metres in diameter.
It was estimated that these plants would produce dried cannabis of 25.4 to 34.6 kilograms, or more.
Police also uncovered cannabis buds set out to dry, and industrial dryers with cannabis, also drying.
This weighed a little over one kilogram.
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In the kitchen pantry, police discovered a loaded .410 bore shotgun, a .30-30 rifle and ammunition.
A .22 rifle shortened into a pistol was found under a bed, along with a silencer, extended magazine and ammunition.
McCarthy pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis, drug trafficking, possessing an unregistered handgun, insecurely storing firearms as an unlicensed person, possessing a category A firearm without a licence, possessing a category B firearm without a licence, possessing cartridge ammunition without a permit and possessing a silencer without a permit.
The court heard he spent 143 days in custody before he was released on bail last August.
His lawyer, Markorius Habib, submitted this time in custody, combined with a community corrections order, was an appropriate sentence.
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However, Crown prosecutor Nick Goodenough said more time in prison was warranted.
Judge Susan Pullen noted McCarthy had a disadvantaged upbringing, and his cannabis use had increased in part because of a motorcycle crash.
Mr Habib told the court McCarthy did not sell the cannabis, but gave it to others.
Mr Goodenough said he could not submit anything about McCarthy's intent, but he had large cannabis plants, "effectively Christmas trees", in a "sophisticated set-up".
The matter was adjourned to have McCarthy assessed for a corrections order and to allow the defence to obtain further evidence of McCarthy's health conditions, which could factor into his sentence.
He will return to court next month.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
