Zachary Stephen Lindsay James sentenced for drug offences

A 24-year-old plumber busted for multiple drug offences was caught with drugs again while on probation. Read what the court heard.

A plumber who failed to stay out of trouble while on probation for drug offences was given a suspended jail sentence after committing several drug offences.

Zachary Stephen Lindsay James, 24, appeared via videolink from the Maryborough Correctional Centre where he spent 30 days in pre-sentence custody.

James pleaded guilty in Bundaberg Magistrates Court to nine drug-related offences that occurred between October 30, 2021 and February 2, 2022 while he was on probation for similar offences from 2020.

On October 30, 2021, James was charged with five offences including producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils and possessing tainted property (cash).

The court heard police searched his home, finding a cannabis plant, 1.61 grams of methamphetamine, utensils, $650 in cash and a further 0.7 grams of methamphetamine.

On December 3, 2021, James was stopped by police while he was riding an electric scooter, catching him with half a gram of methamphetamine.

On February 6, 2022, James further breached his probation and was taken to Maryborough Correctional Centre after police stopped his car and found 3.05 grams of methamphetamine and $1350 of cash from suspected drug sales.

Police prosecutor Grant Klaassen told the court supervision “doesn’t appear to be working” and recommended a suspended prison sentence after James served 30 days in pre-sentence custody.

A representative for Queensland Corrective Services said James was given several opportunities to engage in probation and was “not suitable for correction going forward” after continuously breaching his order.

James’ lawyer, Matt Messenger, said the 24-year-old earned a living as a qualified plumber, was a ‘good’ stepfather to his partner’s two children and planned to have children with her.

“He’s got the opportunity to live a very productive and useful existence,” Mr Messenger said.

However, acting magistrate Leanne Scoines said it was “of concern” James continued to offend despite having the opportunity to clean up his act on probation.

“It’s kind of a mixed message here because during that period of time, you did have some acknowledgment of the fact drugs were causing you major problems.

“You were open and honest about your substance abuse, but you denied any assistance to assist you with that.

“You’ve got a problem with drugs and drug use and you need to deal with that as a matter of urgency.

“You’ve got a lot on the line.”

James was granted immediate parole, sentenced to three months jail, wholly suspended and fined $500, referred to SPER.

Convictions were recorded.