Rodney Stevens
A former professional dancer caught by police with almost half a kilo of cannabis was placed on a good behaviour bond after a court accepted he used the drug to treat ongoing pain.
Simon Paul Adams appeared in Lismore Local Court on Tuesday charged with possession of cannabis after he was arrested earlier this year with of 477 grams of the drug.
Mr Adams, who represented himself after pleading guilty to the charge, requested the court finalise his matter on Monday.
‘I have prepared a statement,’ Mr Adams told the court.
‘How long is it,’ Magistrate David Heilpern asked.
‘Approximately four minutes,’ Mr Adams replied.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Brett Gradisnik and Mr Heilpern were then provided with a copy of the statement by Mr Adams.
Mr Adams then tendered several character references, which weren’t opposed by Sgt Gradisnik.
The court heard Mr Adams had no prior criminal record and police did not allege he was supplying cannabis.
Sgt Gradisnik acknowledged Mr Adams claimed the drug was only for personal use, to treat ongoing pain, due to injuries he suffered during his career as a professional dancer.
Mr Adams told the court he worked at Byron Bay’s Circus Arts and Tuntable Falls pre-school, plus he was a full time student at Southern Cross University studying exercise science.
Mr Heilpern acknowledged Mr Adams’ significant contribution to the community through the work he had been involved in, but noted the quantity of cannabis involved.
‘It’s a very large amount,’ Mr Heilpern said.
Mr Adams was placed on a good behaviour bond for 12 months.
The cannabis will be destroyed by police.
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