Peter Paterson, Kristy O’Connor in Gladstone court on drugs charges

A couple with a drug trafficking past who moved to Central Queensland for a “change of scenery” have again been busted for drug offences during a police raid.

A couple has faced Gladstone court for drug offences after they moved to Central Queensland for a fresh start.

A Gladstone couple with a drug trafficking past has faced court again after a police raid at their home uncovered a variety of different drugs.

Peter James Paterson, 35, and Kristy Lea O’Connor, 36, both appeared in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Wednesday (July 26).

Paterson pleaded guilty to two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs and schedule medicines, and one count each of drug-driving (methamphetamine) and possessing explosives.

O’Connor pleaded guilty to one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, drug utensils and property suspected used in a drug offence.

The court heard the couple had been together for 19 years and the bulk of their latest offending was uncovered during a police raid at their Gladstone residence on May 24 this year.

It was told that the couple had relocated to Gladstone in 2016 following drug trafficking convictions, for a “change of scenery” and “a fresh start.”

Gladstone Courthouse.

During the May raid, Paterson had in his possession drugs including opioids, tramadol and steroids.

O’Connor was found in possession of 1g of methamphetamine, a pipe and digital scales.

“(As well as O’Connor’s offending) bring to the table the drugs (Paterson) has been found with, the conclusion could be reached by the court that it takes a lot of drugs for this household to function - some illegal, others obtained without prescriptions,” Police Prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said.

The court was told Paterson had a four-page criminal history with drug offending “a feature” of it, including trafficking, and he had previously served jail time.

Paterson had committed these latest offences while on parole for drug trafficking, the court heard.

The court was told O’Connor had a one-page criminal history and in the Supreme Court at Brisbane in 2018, she was sentenced to a suspended jail term for drug trafficking which she completed.

“The conclusion the prosecution reach, is either, (O’Connor) is showing no regard for a sentence of enormous repercussions and not learnt from it, or she is so highly drug dependant that she needs help,” Sgt Ongheen said.

Solicitor Rio Ramos said O’Connor had a gap in offending between 2017 and the current charges before the court.

Ms Ramos said the drugs were for O’Connor’s personal use and at the time of the raid, she was “dealing with a lot of personal issues.”

The solicitor said O’Connor had previously worked in retail and hospitality before having five children and becoming a stay-at-home mum.

In relation to Paterson, who had previously worked as a mechanic and butcher, Ms Ramos said he was currently under the regime of Alcohol and Other Drugs Service (AODS).

Magistrate Mary Buchanan fined O’Connor $750 and convictions were recorded.

Paterson was sentenced to two months’ jail, wholly suspended for 12 months, with convictions recorded.

He was also fined $1800 and disqualified from driving for six months.