Landscaper Sean Kneale faces drug supply charges after unprompted confession

The “only reason” this drug dealer faced court is his own confession, says defence lawyer.

Sean Kneale, 28, faced Ipswich District Court after confessing to supplying methamphetamine to two individuals.

On 23 May 2022, Kneale pleaded guilty in Ipswich District Court to supplying a dangerous drug, possessing a dangerous drug, receiving tainted property and possessing utensils that have been used.

The court heard that police executed a search warrant to search Kneale’s house on June 24 2021.

They found a number of items including one gram of cannabis, stolen licence plates, and various drug related utensils.

Kneale was transported to the police station, where he complied with police questioning and admitted to supplying 0.1 grams of methamphetamine the previous day to two people at his house for $50.

Kneale’s defence lawyer said that this was an “unusual supply matter” and that “the only reason that he is before your honour is because of his own admissions”.

She further noted that Kneale’s offending was comparatively low level to many that come before the District Court, and that his alcohol misuse at the time was a likely contributing factor to his offences.

The court heard that Kneale suffers significant mental health and physical difficulties, and lives with his parents on a disability support pension.

He has worked in landscaping in the past, and recently acquired full time work in a scrap yard.

He has a limited criminal history, with one previous unrelated recorded conviction.

Judge McDonnell noted that one of Kneale’s relatives had submitted a statement saying he is “a hard worker and helpful”.

“I accept that the offending was at the lower end of seriousness,” said Judge McDonnell.

“Absent of your confession, the offence of supply would not have been made out,” she said.

Considering Kneale’s family support and prospects of rehabilitation, she decided not to record Kneale’s conviction.

Kneale received six months of probation for all counts, to be served concurrently.