Dad facing court after cannabis crop found in shed fire
Adam Kirkwood pleaded guilty to growing cannabis. Firefighters discovered a hydroponic setup when fighting his shed fire in July 2026.
On July 19, emergency services responded to a shed fire at Kirkwood's Creswick home. Firefighters discovered a hydroponic cannabis growing setup when fighting the blaze.
Police seized seven cannabis plants from the shed. Officers also found a charred electrical bypass system in the meter box.
Kirkwood later admitted he'd paid someone to install it to steal power from the grid. Adam Kirkwood grew the cannabis for personal use.
Investigators heard he used it for pain relief and relaxation. The 35-year-old painter appeared in Ballarat Magistrates' Court on November 2.
He pleaded guilty to growing cannabis. The magistrate warned about dangers of illegal electrical bypasses.
The magistrate said this one likely caused the fire. Kirkwood received a good behaviour order without conviction.
He must donate $500 to court and get a mental health plan.
- 7
- Plants seized
- $500
- Court donation
- 35 years old
- Kirkwood's age
- July 19, 2026
- Fire date
Why it mattersIllegal electrical bypasses pose serious fire and safety risks, even when used for small-scale growing.
AustraliaAustralians should understand that tampering with electricity meters to avoid paying for power can cause fires and carry criminal penalties.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
