South Australian resident George Hatsiosifidis has been found guilty for taking part in the cultivation of a $10 million cannabis crop.

The 76-year-old claimed to have been on the property of the Murray Mallee crop for the sole purpose of assisting in fencing work.

However, Judge Paul Cuthbertson rejected Hatsiosifidis’ claims, stating:

“I am satisfied you were assisting with the cultivation of the crop of cannabis, and you had spent a considerable amount of time on the property.”

Aside from tending to a crop of 3,000 cannabis plants, Hatsiosifidis was also discovered to have been assisting with irrigation and protection of the crop, in addition to providing fresh vegetables for others working on the property.

This is not Hatsiosifidis’ first run-in with the law, having been sentenced to six years jail with a two year non-parole period at the Sydney District Count in 2005 for a similar offence.

“It was clear your [previous] conviction and sentence was not enough to deter you from re-offending,” said Judge Cuthbertson.

“I do not think you were a ringleader in relation to this crop, but I have no doubt that you well knew the nature of the enterprise.”

Source: ABC