Steven Wheeler avoided jail in the Adelaide District Court for trafficking methamphetamine
A street level dealer who sold drugs to fund his own methamphetamine addiction said he is ashamed of the example he has set his daughter.
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A country drug dealer who was caught with methamphetamine and tick lists after a bust is trying to turn his life around.
Steven John Wheeler, 35, avoided jail in the Adelaide District Court earlier this month after taking drugs once became an addiction.
The court heard police approached Wheeler on April 13, last year in Whyalla Norrie.
“You had $760 and a single small plastic zip-locked bag containing 8.28g of methamphetamine,” Judge Adam Kimber said during sentencing.
Police then searched Wheeler’s home and found four packages containing 7g of methamphetamine, 41g of marijuana, $820 and two tick lists.
Wheeler, of Whyalla Norrie, had previously pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.
The court heard Wheeler, who is classified as a “street level dealer”, sold to support his own habit.
“You say your drug use began about five years ago, you were not initially addicted,” Judge Kimber said.
“However, you began to use more methamphetamine about two years ago and then came to use regularly.
“By the time of your arrest you were heavily dependent upon methamphetamine and marijuana.”
The court heard Wheeler is currently working for a steel manufacturing company and is drug tested regularly.
“You have taken steps to put your drug use behind you,” Judge Kimber said.
The court heard Wheeler, who is a father, has positively contributed to various sporting clubs in the community.
“You say you are ashamed of the example your offending has set,” Judge Kimber said.
“Trafficking in methamphetamine is an inherently serious offence, it is a drug which causes profound damage in our community.”
Judge Kimber sentenced Wheeler to two years and seven months jail, with a non-parole period of 19-months.
He ordered the sentence be served on home detention.
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