Marwan Banna in District Court for sentencing submissions after supplying meth to wife

This father of five was already on parole when he gave meth to his own wife – with the court hearing it was to sustain their sexual relationship.

A “thriving” southern suburbs pizza shop owner – and father of five – was giving meth to his wife as a sexual stimulant to sustain their relationship, a court has heard.

Marwan Banna, 59, appeared in the District Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to one count of supplying a controlled drug. The court heard he had also previously been convicted for six counts of drug trafficking and money laundering in 2016, and that this recent offending occurred while on parole.

Defence counsel for Banna submitted both he and his wife “used meth occasionally to make the most of the time they had together sexually”. His wife is not charged with any wrongdoing.

“They were being used as a sexual stimulant,” they said.

“It’s understandable – this couple had been married for 22 years, they have five children who are still at school. The couple remained committed to each other – they’ve had a happy and successful marriage.

“It’s obviously consensual. It’s within the context of sustaining and enhancing their marriage, and their sexual life after 22 years.”

Marwan Banna outside the District Court this week. Picture: Charlie Dadds

Marwan Banna leaving the District Court. Picture: Charlie Dadds

The court heard Banna spent two years in custody after his 2016 conviction, which occurred in the midst of “a very serious gambling addiction”. His defence counsel submitted he got involved in trafficking meth to pay off his gambling debts.

On Tuesday, a court heard Banna was the owner of a prominent pizza business in Moana he had been operating for the past nine months, “turning over several thousands of dollars a week”.

Judge Anthony Allen acknowledged defence counsel’s submissions, but said Banna had “jeopardised the wellbeing of his whole family”.

“I hope the significance of that is not lost on him,” Judge Allen said. “The fact that (he was) on parole at the time makes this even more serious.

Judge Allen adjourned the matter for sentencing, but told Banna he wouldn’t be sent to prison.

“It won’t happen again,” Banna said.

He will return to court next month.