Matthew Joseph Mayberry, 31, appeared for sentence in the ACT Supreme Court on Thursday on a charge of cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis.

The court heard Mayberry was arrested after a two month police surveillance operation on an O’Connor home.

Mayberry was captured on CCTV coming and going over the period, sometimes on a daily basis.

Police then raided the property in March 2011, arresting Mayberry as he exited a garage.
Officers seized 105 cannabis plants, hydroponic equipment, potting mix and fertiliser.

The court heard Mayberry was wearing latex gloves when spotted and had keys to the property in his pocket.

An inspection of the power supply to the house showed it had been heavily modified to get free electricity and to avoid detection through the increased energy use.

The court heard Mayberry had become involved because of his desperate need for money.
Mayberry was passionate about cars and had taken out loans to pay for two cars, a truck and motorcycle.

Justice John Burns on Thursday said Mayberry had chosen to enter the drug trade rather than sell the assets.

Justice Burns accepted Mayberry’s role in the enterprise was minor, watering and taking care of the illicit crop.

“You were a worker, not an organiser,” the judge said.

But Justice Burns said the small but vital role allowed the kingpins to control the drug trade from a safe distance.

“Those that grow cannabis rely on people like you.”

The judge accepted Mayberry’s remorse but said it did not extend to helping police catching the masterminds of the operation.

Justice Burns jailed Mayberry for 15 months, with a non-parole period of six months.
Mayberry will be eligible for release in March, with the remaining time suspended upon entering a two year good behaviour order.