Brenton John Sapwell sold meth to ex-wife after death of his son in motorcycle accident

The owner of a regional butcher shop sold meth to his ex-wife to feed his own addiction after the death of his son, a court has heard.

Brenton Sapwell is seen arriving at Adelaide District Court. Picture: NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

The former owner of a regional butcher shop was selling meth to his third ex-wife after the sudden death of his son, a court has heard.

Brenton John Sapwell, 53, appeared in the District Court on Monday where it was heard the former butcher had started taking meth as a form of pain management.

James Caldicott, for Sapwell, said his client was mainly keeping the drugs seized for himself, with only a small amount intended to be sold to his third ex-wife.

Neither of Sapwell's other ex-wives are not involved in his meth use.

“Mr Sapwell was a heavy user of methamphetamine, and had been for a significant period of time,” he said.

“The items found, that it was contemplated, that less than 2g of which would be sold.

“Your Honour will see some evidence in the declaration material of previous sales to … his ex-wife.”

Brenton John Sapwell, the local butcher at Port Vincent Quality Meats, was arrested for drug trafficking. Picture: Google Maps

Sapwell, who has now pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and possessing a firearm, was arrested on February 13, 2022, after police observed him speeding down the Yorke Peninsula Hwy while riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

The Port Vincent local returned a positive drug test for amphetamines and 14g of the drug was found when the motorbike was searched.

A further search of Sapwell’s home uncovered 135g of methamphetamines, a gel blaster and gun – which was later revealed to be a “Bug-A-Salt” gun, used to kill bugs.

Charges did not continue for the latter.

Mr Caldicott said his client would purchase methamphetamine “in bulk” as he lived in Port Vincent, and therefore couldn’t obtain small amounts every so often.

“He was using a significant amount over a period of time being 11 to 12 years due to significant injuries suffered from work,” he said.

“Unfortunately, in 2020 his 23-year-old son passed away in a motorcycle accident. This was significantly hard on the family.”

Brenton Sapwell leaving the District Court. Picture: NewsWire/Roy VanDerVegt

Mr Caldicott said Sapwell started taking methamphetamine to manage the pain from a circular saw injury on his leg and a back injury.

He said his client had to shut down Port Vincent Quality Meats, after owning it for 16 years, as a result of the court proceedings.

Mr Caldicott asked his client be handed a suspended sentence saying he has complied with community corrections while on supervised bail.

A prosecutor told the court Sapwell has no relevant prior convictions but the Director of Public Prosecution still believes a term of imprisonment is the only appropriate sentence for “low-level street dealer trafficking to support the defendant’s own habit”.

Sapwell will return to court in July to be sentenced.