CHARGED WITH 'RECORD' CANNABIS CULTIVATION

A PATUTAHI man who allegedly cultivated what the judge called a
"Turanganui record" when it came to cannabis production, was denied
electronically-monitored bail when he appeared in Gisborne District
Court.

[redacted] faces charges of cultivating
cannabis, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of
three firearms and theft of a motor vehicle.

The charges relate to a 4300-plant cannabis-growing operation found on
February 13 at a property belonging to him.

Hearing the news that he would be denied EM bail, [redacted] began swearing
at the judge and Crown prosecutor.

Hearing that, Judge Tony Adeane said that was yet another good reason
for denying him bail.

Defence counsel Leighvi Maynard said monitored bail was feasible at a
Patutahi address that [redacted] partner lived at.

Judge Adeane said Judge James Rota had strong reasons for opposing
bail at a hearing in February.

These reasons were still relevant.

The address offered was 22 km from the nearest 24-hour police station,
where the bail would have to be monitored.

Judge Adeane said he was not satisfied that the process of EM bail
could or would adequately address the concerns of Judge Rota and he
declined the application.