GT was charged with multiple counts of ‘Supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug’, contrary to s 25(2) Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985, ‘Possess a prohibited weapon’ contrary to s 7(1) Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 and ‘Dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime’, contrary to s 193C(2) Crimes Act 1900. This is a very serious list of charges.
Chris Cole represented GT in these matters, briefing Counsel Scott Schaudin. GT was suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues at the time of offending.
The matter was listed for Sentence in the District Court, on which occasion Chris Cole and Scott Schaudin tendered a psychological report and character references on GT’s behalf. Counsel then made oral submissions in support of GT’s role, proposing that his role in the offence was lower in objective seriousness than that of the co-accused, and that the material before Her Honour reflects better than good prospects of rehabilitation.
Pleas of guilty were maintained to the charges of ‘Supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug’, contrary to s 25(2) Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 and ‘Possess a prohibited weapon’ contrary to s 7(1) Weapons Prohibition Act 1998. The remaining offences were placed on a Form 1.
Ultimately, Her Honour Sentenced GT to an aggregate Sentence is 5 years imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 3 years. Taking into account time already served, GT will be eligible to be released on parole this year.