Ashley Livingstone: Father’s drug supply attempt foiled by Australia Post staff

A Western Downs man who attempted to supply drugs by sending it through the mail was busted when savvy staff noticed something peculiar about his package.

A father of two who attempted to mail drugs to himself through Australia Post was caught red-handed by post office staff when they noticed a strong stench coming from his package.

Ashley Livingstone told staff he was mailing cigarettes to a friend when he visited the Tara post office on April 4.

Dalby Magistrates Court heard later the same afternoon a staff member smelt a strong scent when they went to collect parcels from their mailing box.

Police prosecutor Derek Brady said CCTV confirmed the package was the same one posted by the 47-year-old earlier that day.

“It had no recipient details and there were cigarette boxes taped together, which contained 15.5g of cannabis,” Sergeant Brady said.

The Tara man was later questioned by police where he told them he couldn’t remember the matter they were referring to.

Police searched Livingstone’s home the following month and found a bong and fireworks.

Lawyer Claire Graham said her client previously worked as a diver and sustained injuries that led to the removal of an ear drum.

“It’s caused consistent ringing and he doesn’t like taking medication, so he’s used cannabis as treatment,” she said.

Ms Graham said the supply was being sent to himself as he was going to travel to his girlfriend’s house via bus.

Livingstone pleaded guilty to supplying and possessing drugs, and possessing utensils and explosives.

He was fined $900.