Mother-of-three fined for drugs

FOUND: Cannabis was in the home.

When police were called to attend a disorder incident at Lauren Alexandra Orr's home, a strong smell of cannabis came from the premises.

Minutes later, officers uncovered more than 2kg of cannabis inside her home.

The 24-year-old was yesterday sentenced to community work by Judge Tony Walsh in the Masterton District Court after she pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis.

The mother-of-three also pleaded guilty to allowing her home to be used for the consuming of drugs and possession of utensils.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Jodie Lawrence told the court police were called to the Harley St address about 8pm on April 8, after reports of disorder and when they arrived there was a strong smell of cannabis.

As a result, police entered the property under the Search and Surveillance Act 2012.

Two butter knives with blade ends were found under an element on the stove top with Orr, her partner and two friends in the kitchen at the time, the sergeant said.

"Scattered around the kitchen were various homemade items including cannabis bongs and pipes, used for the consumption of cannabis."

Orr went into a bedroom and returned with a "shopping bag" full of cannabis head and a box containing cannabis which she gave to police, the court heard.

Her partner pulled another shopping bag full of cannabis from a cupboard.

The total amount of cannabis found at the home was 2.7kg.

Defence lawyer Jock Blathwayt said Orr's partner and a friend brought the drugs home to dry. "It was for personal use not for sale or supply," he added.

Judge Walsh warned Orr if she were convicted on drug charges again she wouldn't be treated so lightly.

"If you come back before the court on these counts again you will face harsher penalties."

Orr was sentenced to 100 hours' community work on possession of cannabis and convicted and discharged on a charge of allowing the premises to be used for a crime and possession of utensils. She was also told to pay $132.89 in court costs.