A BALLARAT man caught with drugs and an arsenal of homemade weapons admitted to police he used ice every day and cannabis at night to "counteract" its effect, a court has heard.
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Justin Stevenson, 25, was found in his bedroom when Ballarat police Divisional Response Unit members raided his Wendouree home on the morning of May 19.
Ballarat Magistrates Court on Tuesday heard police found the drug ice hidden in a cardboard box in Stevenson's bedroom, more ice and cannabis in his shed and three homemade bows, accompanied by 12 arrows.
A police prosecutor said the search also discovered a homemade cannon capable of firing oranges, fireworks and 90 .22 calibre bullets.
The total weight of the ice was 2.5 grams, while the cannabis also weighed 2.5 grams, the court heard.
Making full admissions to police, Stevenson told them he was a daily drug user, using ice during daylight hours and cannabis at night in an effort to wind down.
Stevenson pleaded guilty to charges including possess methylamphetamine, use methylamphetamine, possess cannabis, use cannabis, and possessing a prohibited weapon without lawful excuse.
HIs solicitor Mike Wardell said it was unfortunate his client had again been caught up in drug use, having being placed on a community based order after pleading guilty to previous drug offences in 2012.
Mr Wardell said Stevenson had successfully completed the order, including drug and alcohol counselling.
But he said Stevenson had been given ice at a party shortly after and "became a regular user".
Mr Wardell said Stevenson was a highly valued employee, but had a troubled upbringing including a father currently in jail.
The lawyer also said the weapons were not "high end" and merely manufactured with mates in Stevenson's shed.
Magistrate Andrew Capell warned Stevenson of the dangers of ice use, adding it was up to Stevenson to change his ways.
Mr Capell jailed Stevenson for 14 days, wholly suspended for one year.
He was also fined $1750.