Methamphetamine ‘sub-dealer’ Mark Spakianos sentenced to jail for role in drug syndicate

A ‘sub-dealing’ father who received a dressing down from a Judge after bringing his teenage daughter to court has learned his fate.

A man who was called out by a judge for bringing his teenage daughter to his court hearings has been jailed for his role as a “sub-dealer” in a methamphetamine syndicate.

In December last year, Mark Anthony Spakianos, 50, was given a dressing down by a judge for not making arrangements for his children despite facing a lengthy jail term.

Instead, his 14-year-old daughter was present in court for sentencing submissions in the District Court, prompting Judge Emily Telfer to express her discomfort with the child in the courtroom.

“I feel very uncomfortable about that, but she is 14 and it is your client’s choice,” Judge Telfer said in relation to it.

“He is absolutely facing a lengthy term of imprisonment and he cannot avoid that by bringing his children to court or by failing to make arrangements for his children,” she told Spakianos’ lawyer.

Mark Spakianos pleaded guilty to drug trafficking. Photo: Facebook

Spakianos was sentenced to four years and eight months with a non-parole period of three years, six months and 25 days. Photo: Facebook

During sentencing earlier this month, Judge Telfer said Spakianos’ offending came to light when police investigated another drug dealer, who was running an enterprise “which utilised a number of sub-dealers to distribute methamphetamine”.

Serious and organised crime branch police arrested the men on November 24 and 25, 2021 as part of an investigation into drug distribution across Adelaide’s southern suburbs.

During a search, police allegedly discovered $155,000 in cash, 40 grams of methamphetamine, two cars and three motorcycles.

“You had been living in rented premises at Mitchell Park with your then partner and your 14-year-old daughter. You began to use methamphetamine when you lost your partner, your job and your house,” Judge Telfer said.

“In late 2020 to early 2021, you were part of a group of four to five people all of whom were users of methamphetamine. One member would take money pooled between all of you and purchase on behalf of all members of the group. You then began to buy on behalf of the group as you had a connection.”

Judge Telfer said one of Spakianos’ main reasons for remorse was the impact on his children.

“You expressed contrition for your offending and talked about the impact of your conduct on your daughter and grandson,” she said.

“I accept that since your offending you have made substantial efforts to overcome your drug addiction, and that your efforts have been effective and substantial.”

However, she said his offending was too serious to release him from custody.

“The trade in methamphetamine contributes to immense social harm. The sentence I impose must reflect the seriousness of your conduct and deter you and others from participation in that trade in the future.

Drugs seized by police during the bust in the southern suburbs. Picture: SA Police

Cash seized by police after the raid in Adelaide’s south. Picture: SA Police

“I have reached the conclusion that your offending is simply too serious to permit you to serve it on home detention.

“Your sentence, therefore, is a head sentence of four years and eight months with a non-parole period of three years, six months and 25 days. That sentence will be backdated to begin on 29 April 2024, which means you will be eligible for release on parole on 22 November 2027 and your head sentence will expire on 28 December 2028.”

Spakianos pleaded guilty to five counts of drug trafficking.