Alex Christopher Catton: Dalby drug dealer facing jail time for ice supply

A Dalby man who’s been labelled the “greatest example” of the drug crisis gripping regional towns, may be sent to prison for supplying meth and marijuana across the Dalby district.

Convicted drug trafficker Alex Christopher Catton may be sent back to prison after he moved into dealing meth and marijuana to fund his drug addiction.

The Dalby District Court heard the 23-year-old organised 45 drug deals in 2020, which included actual supply of ice to seven customers, and marijuana to 16.

The most significant deal being to one Dalby drug user who purchased $1300 worth of meth.

Police arrested Catton in October 2021 after they raided his Dalby home and he’s been in custody since.

Alex Christopher Catton fronted the Dalby Court House on August 16, 2021.

The court heard a psychologist submitted that if Catton was released into the community there was a high chance he would continue to offend until he was admitted to a long-term rehabilitation facility.

Judge Alexander Horneman-Wren said he was worried the court could be setting Catton up for failure because he couldn’t order him to attend a rehab.

“But I don’t want to put him in the community where he goes and does exactly the same,” Judge Horneman-Wren said.

Crown Prosecutor Matthew Le Grand said Catton was a “a massive concern” as he had an extensive rap sheet of drug offences and spent time in jail, yet didn’t seem deterred from reoffending.

Mr Le Grand said Catton trafficked MDMA and marijuana in 2017, sold marijuana while on parole in 2018, and possessed weed in 2019 and 2020, with the latest offences committed during a suspended jail sentence and a Supreme Court parole order.

Defence barrister Frank Martin said Catton completed a number of courses while in jail and had support from his family who had unsuccessfully tried to find a drug rehabilitation to take him in.

The court heard Alex Christopher Catton sold drugs to fund his addiction – he’d first used meth at the age of 16, and weed at the age of 12.

Judge Horneman-Wren said he didn’t want to impose a crushing prison sentence and risk Catton’s chances of rehabilitation.

“Your future is going to be in your hands,” he said.

“Regional communities such as (Dalby) are riddled with drugs and sadly you’re the greatest example of that.

“If you return the using, possessing, and God forbid selling, then sadly there will be no future for you but jail.

“That being said, hope cannot be lost.”

Catton pleaded guilty to supplying and possessing dangerous drugs.

Judge Horneman-Wren adjourned the case for further deliberation and sentencing on October 15, although said he was considering imposing a suspended prison sentence of two and half years, with three years of probation.