James Agius will be sentenced in the Adelaide District Court next month for his role in a drug operation

A drug courier and “role model” father of seven who drove a fellow dealer to sell drugs at fast food restaurants now wants to focus on his family and remove his Finks tattoos.

A Finks bikie member “wishes every day” he did not involve himself in a sophisticated drug operation by playing the role of courier, despite receiving no benefits himself.

James Arthur Agius, 48, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of drug trafficking with his lawyer pushing for no jail time in the Adelaide District Court on Tuesday, saying the father was the rock of his family.

A prosecutor told the court that Agius, who was a drug courier for a sophisticated operation, was involved in two transactions in August and October, 2018 at West Richmond.

“He drove Mr Schafer from the McDonalds to pick up the drugs and then back to Hungry Jacks where the drugs were sold,” he said.

“The role of a courier is an important role in these sorts of enterprises.”

The court heard Schafer, who had been involved in more drug transactions than Agius, was sentenced to four years and two months jail.

“Mr Schafer clearly wasn’t willing to carry out that role himself so needed someone like Mr Agius to do so, so this operation could continue to work,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor pushed for an immediate jail term for Agius, saying the offending was serious.

“Particularly, bearing in mind the quantity of the drugs and that the offending happened on two separate occasions,” the prosecutor said.

James Agius will be sentenced next month for two counts of drug trafficking. Photo: File

Taylor Johansen, for Agius, pushed for a suspended sentence, saying the Albert Park man hadn’t received any financial benefit for his role in the offending.

“He’s not a drug user, it was his assistance that allowed him to assist Mr Schafer in the transactions,” she said.

“He accepts that role, he accepts that he shouldn’t have been involved in any of this at any point.

“He wishes every day, when he reflects on it, that he hadn’t.”

Ms Johansen told the court Agius, who is a father-of-seven, also works as a volunteer and mentor in the community.

“He really is the rock in relation to his family,” she said.

“The cultural guiding and assistance he provides the community in general … despite him being before the court for this matter, he is a strong role model for his community.

“He is showing them the importance of making positive decisions in their lives.”

The court heard Agius, who is a Finks motorcycle club member, had recently asked to leave the club so he can focus on his family.

“They have agreed to give him three months to remove his tattoos … he’s now waiting to cover up the tattoos on his body that show his membership,” Ms Johansen said.

Judge Paul Slattery will sentence Agius next month.