Work order for cannabis grower

A insulation installer caught growing more than 50 cannabis plants has been sentenced to 300 hours' community work.

Clifton Eric Simpson, 36, appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis.

Prosecuting, Sergeant Garry Wilson said Simpson's set-up was "sophisticated" and certainly not amateur.

On May 29 police officers searched Simpson's house and discovered two rooms constructed of timber and plywood in a shed, the court heard.

Inside were 33 cannabis plants about 10cm tall, 11 about 30cm tall and a further 10 about 80cm tall.

There were lights and fans to enhance plant growth.

When interviewed, Simpson said he was a regular user of cannabis, it was the first time he had grown the drug at his property and the cannabis was for personal use.

Defence lawyer Jock Blathwayt said since Simpson's brother had died in 2003 he had been having trouble sleeping.

"His ability to sleep is dependent on smoking cannabis."

Mr Blathwayt said Simpson was growing the cannabis for personal use and there was no evidence to suggest sale or supply.

He said Simpson, a father of three, was embarrassed about the charges.

Judge Bill Hastings said to instil a sense of accountability in Simpson, and because of the quantity of plants, he would sentence him to 300 hours' community work.