A man who tried to take cocaine, cannabis and LSD into an Elmore music festival has avoided conviction, but will have to undertake 120 hours of community work and spend nine months on a community corrections order.
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The 33-year-old pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court to trafficking cocaine, possessing cocaine, possessing cannabis and possessing a drug of dependence.
The court heard the the man was stopped by police at the entrance to the Earthcore music festival on November 24 last year, when he was found carrying 14 LSD tabs and one hashish capsule.
A search of his car revealed 12.8 grams of cannabis, 30 capsules containing 0.1 gram of cocaine each and a total of 2.84 grams of cocaine in two ziplock bags, hidden in the spare wheel.
When interviewed by police, the man admitted to possessing the drugs and said he was going to give some to friends.
He denied he intended to give them to anyone else.
The man’s defence lawyer Rose Rocca said her client had never done drugs and had no previous criminal history.
She told the court that at the time of offending, her client had recently experienced a relationship breakdown and missed his family, having arrived in Australia as a refugee nine years ago.
Ms Rocca said her client had succumbed to pressure from people he had recently been introduced to and was going to the festival with.
“The only reason, Your Honour, he purchased those drugs was that he was told he couldn’t overdose on LSD, but they’d make him feel really good,” Ms Rocca said.
She told the court the man had broken off all contact with those people and did not associate with anyone who did drugs.
Ms Rocca said the man was now undertaking a flooring and carpet-laying apprenticeship.
“He’s keen to complete his apprenticeship and be a model citizen,” she said.
In sentencing the man, Magistrate Sarah Leighfield emphasised the seriousness of the charges and the danger drugs posed.
But she acknowledged the man had never been in trouble with the police before and co-operated with police.
Ms Leighfield accepted he was remorseful for his actions.
“I also accept that the plea shows you’re taking responsibility for your conduct as well,” she said.
Ms Leighfield told the man the community corrections order was only one step down from prison in terms of the sentencing hierarchy.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
