FORMER PRISON OFFICER ON MARIJUANA CHARGE

Wellington: A former prison officer who grew and smoked cannabis to relieve
a medical condition was convicted but given no penalty when he appeared in
the Wellington District Court yesterday.

Paul Wilson (52), of Featherston, pleaded guilty to one charge of
cultivating cannabis.

Defence lawyer Catherine Milnes said Wilson had already suffered greatly by
losing his job and co-workers' respect.

His chances of re-employment as a prison warden were "virtually impossible"
and his marriage had been strained.

Wilson was taking medication for his condition but the side effects led him
to turn instead to cannabis for relief, she said.

His cultivation was "an unsophisticated process" and the police found no
hydroponic equipment, just 12 cannabis plants 30cm in height, Ms Milnes said.

Judge Margaret Lee agreed Wilson had "been through a lot" with the loss of
his job.

"You're suffering an unenviable condition and I accept you were taking the
substance to relieve your condition, but unfortunately it's illegal and in
your position you should know that," she said, before convicting and
discharging him without penalty.

Details of Wilson's medical condition were not revealed.