Murray James Gale in court for possession of dangerous drugs

A 60-year-old man, who has been charged with a string of drug offences, including the possession of meth, has been sentenced in Maryborough Supreme Court.

A 60-year-old man, who has been charged with a string of drug offences, including the possession of meth, has been sentenced in Maryborough Supreme Court.

Murray James Gale pleaded guilty to one count of possessing dangerous drug in excess of 2.0 grams, one count of possessing dangerous drugs, one count of possess property suspected of having been used in connection with supplying dangerous drugs, one count of supplying a dangerous drug, one count of possessing dangerous drug, and one count possessing a thing used in connection with supplying a dangerous drug.

Crown Prosecutor Cook told the court Gale was aged between 57 and 59 at the time of offending, and had previous criminal history which was mostly drug related.

Gale had served pre-sentence custody for just over three months from December 7, 2020, to March 11, 2021.

On December 5, 2020, Gale was found in his home in possession of almost 12g gross weight (6.398g pure weight) of meth, along with a small amount of cannabis and other drug related items.

On February 3, 2019, he supplied 0.272g of meth (pure weight) for $300, the court heard.

It heard on September 10, 2020, Gale also supplied 0.5g of meth (gross weight) for $500.

Defence Barrister James Godbolt said his client has a rheumatic condition which over a period of time has lead to the fusion and curvature of his spine.

“He suffers from considerable pain... he lives with his brother to assist him with his daily activities,” Mr Godbolt said.

Justice David Jackson said Gale’s criminal history was “significantly drug related”, but noted the circumstances of his offences were at the lower end of the scale for the court, perhaps with the exception of the possession offence.

Treated globally on the possession offence, Gale was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an order that fixed his parole release date for April 28, 2022.

A conviction was recorded for each of the other offences.