John Lawrence Britten sentenced for selling Buprenorphine strips to undercover police officer

Three people convicted over a drug trafficking sting that involved an Adelaide CBD pharmacy have now been sentenced, with one jailed for two years.

A man with a violent past has been sentenced for selling a controlled drug he obtained from a Hindley St chemist to an undercover police officer.

John Lawrence Britten, 66, of Blair Athol appeared in the District Court on Wednesday where he was sentenced for three counts of trafficking in a controlled drug.

Justice Emily Telfer said Britten acted as a “go-between” to facilitate the sale of Buprenorphine strips on three separate occasions between September 9 and September 14 in 2021.

“In early September 2021, South Australian police were investigating information that Buprenorphine strips could be purchased without a prescription from Hartley Davis, a pharmacist and a proprietor of the Central Station Pharmacy situated near the railway station in Adelaide,” Judge Telfer said.

Davis was sentenced last September to two years and seven months in prison for two counts of trafficking in a controlled drug and one count of supplying or administering to another person.

The Advertiser understands the pharmacy has been under new ownership since September 2022. The new owners are not accused of wrongdoing or any involvement with the drug trafficking.

Judge Telfer said that on September 9, an undercover officer was handed $300 and tasked to attend the pharmacy.

Britten was in the vicinity of the pharmacy along with a number of other people who had attended to obtain prescription medication.

John Lawrence Britten in holding cells at Yatala in 1988. Picture: Alex Massey

Judge Telfer said Britten regularly attended the Central Station Pharmacy - together with his friend and housemate, Andrew David Fox - because he had been on the methadone maintenance program for many years and the pharmacy was where he collected his dose.

“It was in those circumstances that you came across the undercover operative who was inquiring about whether Buprenorphine strips could be purchased,” she said.

“You agreed to help her to purchase strips in circumstances where you understood that Mr Hartley Davis did sell strips without the production of a prescription.”

Fox was sentenced to two years, suspended, and placed on a two-year good behaviour bond.

Mr Britten’s counsel submitted it was “common knowledge” from people who frequented the pharmacy that Buprenorphine strips could be purchased.

On the three occasions, Britten assisted with the sale of between five and three strips, ranging in prices from $20 to $50.

The Central Station Pharmacy on Hindley Street. Picture: Supplied

Britten made no money from the sales, leading Judge Telfer to accept he became involved out of a “misguided attempt” to help the undercover officer.

“You believed (she) needed assistance,” she said. “It’s clear that you didn’t stand to make money from your sales, and your conduct therefore was not motivated by obtaining a financial return for yourself.”

Britten was jailed for life after the shooting murder of Michael Anthony Cashel, 31, on February 15, 1987. He did not pull the trigger but the court found he knew his co-accused was going to commit murder.

In 2018, he was acquitted of firearms offences.

Judge Telfer acknowledged Britten’s offending had “slowed down”.

“Although your younger years were dominated by the use and abuse of illicit drugs, you have not used illicit drugs in more than ten years,” she said.

“You have regular contact with your children, and you’re supporting your eldest daughter through her treatment with cancer.”

Convicted murderer John Lawrence Britten (aka Spike) pictured outside his cells in Yatala in 1988. Picture: Alex Massey

A submission was made by the prosecution that Buprenorphine is a dangerous drug that has a particular value in the prison environment.

Judge Telfer accepted that and said there was no suggestion the drugs Britten helped trade were destined for the prison system.

Judge Telfer imposed a suspended sentence of two years and two months, with a two-year good behaviour bond and 70 hours of community work.

“Despite your past history therefore, I am convinced that in this moment there is good reason to suspend your sentence,” she said.

“You have stable long-term housing and you have engaged well with drug and alcohol counselling services.

“You have also engaged in supervision provided by the Department for Correctional Services.”