The Queen v AF
AF was charged with 23 counts of 'supply a prohibited drug' and three counts of 'possess prohibited drug' contrary to the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985.
AF was 21 years old at the time of offending. His involvement in the supply of drugs was relatively small-scale and amateur, with him purchasing MDMA by the gram, placing it into capsules and selling these caps to friends and party-goers on the weekends. During one of these nights he came into contact with an undercover police officer who proceeded to tap his mobile phone and commence a police investigation into his activities.
A number of months later AF was stopped by police whilst in possession of 70 caps, placed under arrest and charged with a string of supplies dating back to his first encounter with the undercover officer.
Bill O'Brien represented AF, and negotiated with the Director of Public Prosecutions to reduce the number of charges against him. Subsequently 23 of the 26 offences were placed on a 'Form 1', as 'back up' charges, and AF pleaded guilty to the remaining charges.
Submissions were prepared to secure AF a reasonable sentence, and the subjective circumstances of his case were highlighted to reveal his good character, lack of previous convictions, and low likeliness of reoffending.
AF's matter came before the Downing Centre District Court, and the presiding judge proceeded to place AF on an Intensive Corrections Order for a period of 18 months. He was able to avoid a term of imprisonment entirely, and did not lose his employment. This was a spectacular result for AF.