Well,it's only a matter of time...
Out of the frying pan, into the pot
December 19 2002
By Steve Butcher
A respected doctor was conducting a laboratory experiment at his North
Fitzroy home when it blew up in his face - in more ways than one.
The Melbourne Magistrates Court heard yesterday that William Boyd Kelly,
32, suffered severe burns on March 21 when he sparked an explosion and fire
while using acacia oil.
Dr Kelly, who worked in emergency and intensive care at the Western
Hospital, ignored his injuries and fought to save his house.
But his recovery was complicated when police investigating the incident
found a small marijuana plant in his back yard.
Senior Constable Wayne Taylor, prosecuting, said that
Dr Kelly had watered and nurtured the plant and harvested some of it.
Senior Constable Taylor said Dr Kelly had cooperated with police and showed
remorse.
Defence lawyer Bob Galbally said that "unfortunately an explosion resulted"
when Dr Kelly, 32, performed a "laboratory" experiment.
Mr Galbally said Dr Kelly's laboratory was "very different" from others
often seen in the criminal courts.
Mr Galbally said Dr Kelly's first priority was to save his house before an
ambulance took him to hospital with burns to 18per cent of his body. Dr
Kelly needed skin grafts, which left scars. Dr Kelly, who has no prior
convictions, was a social smoker, much like "having two light ales in the
fridge", he said.
Character witness Stephen Priestley, director of emergency services for
Western Health, told the court that Dr Kelly, who now works in Sydney, was
widely respected.
"I can't speak highly enough of him," Dr Priestley said. "He is at the
highest end of competence and professionalism."
Dr Kelly, formerly of Newry Street, North Fitzroy, pleaded guilty to
charges of cultivating and possessing marijuana.
Magistrate Jane Patrick released Dr Kelly on a non-conviction undertaking
to be of good behaviour for a year. He was ordered to pay $250 to the court
fund.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/12/18/1040174296392.html
I'm sure we all remember Tim Malibu Dr,blown away by the DEA.
