A California Gully man has been imprisoned for a total of one year for his role in a carjacking, as well as trafficking two illicit drugs.
Judge David Brookes sentenced Matthew McMahon, 25, in the County Court on Friday to 12 months' imprisonment, followed by a 12-month community corrections order, after McMahon pleaded guilty to carjacking, trafficking gamma butyrolactane (GBL), trafficking methamphetamine, theft, and unlawful assault.
McMahon had already served 291 days in custody.
The carjacking took place in Eaglehawk in October last year.
Read more: Carjacking left woman fearful, court hears
McMahon took the keys out of the car while the owner was seated in the driver's seat, putting her in fear for her safety.
Judge Brookes said that while McMahon might have only agreed to take part in the carjacking moments before, he was an active participant.
The car was then driven to a Long Gully service station, where McMahon filled it with almost $100 worth of petrol, but did not pay.
The car was found the following day and linked to McMahon through forensic evidence.
A co-offender, Ebony Murphy, also told police of his involvement in the crimes.
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When McMahon was arrested police seized his phone and found numerous messages related to the selling of GBL and methamphetamine.
At a plea hearing last month, defence counsel Chris Terry said McMahon was young, had the support of his family, and had entered his guilty plea early.
A community corrections order report said McMahon seemed to have little insight into his offending, but showed a willingness to take his life in a more positive direction.
Nevertheless, it said he was at a high risk of reoffending.
But the court heard he was willing and able to comply with the conditions of an order, had remained incident-free in custody, and had completed a number of courses.
McMahon had also returned negative results to drug tests.
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Judge Brookes accepted a letter of apology McMahon addressed to the victim, and said the guilty plea was evidence of remorse.
He said he had to take into account parity; Murphy, a co-offender, was sentenced to 66 days' imprisonment and an 18-month community corrections order after pleading guilty to trafficking, carjacking and theft.
McMahon's offending was more serious, Judge Brookes said, but his sentence was moderated because of Murphy's.
As part of his community corrections order, McMahon must undertake 50 hours of unpaid community work, treatment for drug abuse and programs to reduce the risk of reoffending.
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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.
