Businesswoman turned drug dealer Sharon Thoms given “one last second chance” in Ipswich court

An Ipswich businesswoman returned to court from behind bars with a new string of drug charges that she insists will be her last.

Ipswich businesswoman Sharon Thoms, 55, returned to court on Thursday just two months after her last appearance with a new string of drug charges.

Thoms received an 18 month jail sentence in February this year for dealing methamphetamine, with parole release set for June 16, 2022.

On April 21, she faced court from behind bars with 10 new drug offences committed last year, prior to her conviction.

Magistrate Dennis Kinsella noted the “aggravating feature” that some of these new offences occurred while Thoms was on parole last year.

The new charges included three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, several other drug-related charges, two breaches of parole, and one count of driving under the influence of drugs.

Thoms pleaded guilty to all 10 charges.

55 year old businesswoman Sharon Thoms

The court heard Thoms was introduced to heroin by a former partner when she was 28 and was a user for three years before getting herself clean.

She has since struggled with methamphetamine addiction, and turned to drug distribution to fund her own drug habit.

Thoms was educated to Year 12 at Meriden Anglican College in Strathfield, with seemingly “great prospects”, according to Magistrate Kinsella.

She intended to pursue a career playing tennis, but suffered an injury in her early twenties that forced her to change course.

She instead worked in a range of sales and marketing jobs, most recently as an internet blogger and entrepreneur.

Thoms attempted to clean up her act in the latter half of 2021, and opened her own online jewellery business.

“Relapse is the significant issue for you,” said Magistrate Kinsella, addressing Thoms directly. “In fact, your criminal history clearly reflects the fact you have managed to get off the drugs and live a productive life.”

Thoms was sentenced to two years of probation, with her previous parole-release date of June 16 2022 unchanged.

“This is it, your honour,” Thoms said, insistent she will reform her ways.

“This is your one last second chance,” said Magistrate Kinsella.

“Some people may call me naive or ignorant,” he continued. “I am hopeful.”