Donnybrook man Dane Alan Ramponi commended for addressing cannabis use after being caught with 250g at home

A 40-year-old Donnybrook man has been commended for addressing his long-term cannabis use, and been ordered to continue doing so, after he was caught with 250g of cannabis at his property. Dane Alan Ramponi was placed on a 12-month community-based order with program requirements at the Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday after previously pleading guilty to cultivating a prohibited plant, possessing cannabis with intent to sell or supply, and inadequately storing ammunition. The court was told police conducted a search at Ramponi’s Emerald Street home on the morning of February 18 when he was initially not present but returned a short time after their arrival. During the search, Ramponi directed officers to the backyard, where three 150cm cannabis plants were found, which he said he had grown from seed. Police also found 250g of cannabis inside a fridge in the backyard, comprising 134g of loose cannabis material inside a black garbage bag, and a further 116g divided into three large clip-seal bags. Ramponi’s mobile phone was also seized during the search after it was found to contain messages alluding to drug dealing. Officers also found 24 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition on a nearby bench, despite the firearm being locked away inside a cabinet. In submissions, the court was told Ramponi had a long-standing issue with cannabis use and would sell the drug to his friends, who also used it. Ramponi’s defence counsel Twistie Venning said the dealing would only occur if his friends were unable to get cannabis from their dealers. It was also submitted Ramponi had since participated in the alcohol and other drug diversion program, and it was reported he had done “extremely well”. In terms of the loose ammunition, the court was told Ramponi had used his firearm on a previous occasion and neglected to put the ammunition away at the time. In sentencing, Magistrate Joanne Andretich commended Ramponi for his work on the diversion program and formed the view a community-based order would help him continue addressing his treatment needs. “I am extremely impressed with how you engaged in the alcohol and diversion program and it is commendable that you engaged in the way you did,” she said. Ramponi was fined $600 for the loose ammunition and ordered to pay court costs.