A drug trafficker who dealt in more than $13,000 worth of methamphetamine has been released from prison after six months.
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Joshua Taylor pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court to 46 charges, including trafficking methamphetamine, 34 counts of driving while unlicensed, seven counts of fraudulent use of a number plate, theft of a motor vehicle, possessing cartridge ammunition, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and possessing methamphetamine.
Taylor stole a vehicle worth $25,000 from Strathfieldsaye in December.
On January 1, police searched a Flora Hill address.
There they found numerous items, including a wallet containing more than $1000 cash and Taylor's proof of age card, 23 grams of methamphetamine in three bags, tick sheets detailing transactions amounting to $13,480, scales, bags, and a VicRoads registration form in Taylor's name, among others.
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The following day, Taylor was arrested while visiting someone in Golden Square.
There he was found with 0.3 grams of methamphetamine and $655 in cash.
CCTV footage police acquired showed evidence of numerous instances in which Taylor was driving a vehicle and using number plates fraudulently.
He had been unlicensed for almost five years.
Taylor denied to police trafficking or possessing methamphetamine, and said he left his wallet and medication at the Flora Hill home when visiting.
He refused to give police a sample of his handwriting.
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The court heard Taylor had employment available upon his release and a stable place to live.
Magistrate John Bentley sentenced Taylor to the six months' imprisonment already served as well as a community corrections order, as was asked by the defence counsel.
He ordered Taylor undergo assessment and treatment for drug use and dependency, and be subject to random drug tests.
Taylor was also banned from driving for six months and must undertake a road trauma awareness program.
Taylor was supported in court by his mother and a friend.
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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.
