Alexander Keith Paterson sentenced in Mackay District Court for drug production

A qualified electrician was busted with the makings of a drug lab while already on bail for other drug production charges.

Alexander Keith Paterson was sentenced in the Mackay District Court for producing drugs in 2023. Photo: Fergus Gregg.

A Mackay sparky was on bail for producing drugs when a police raid revealed he was back at it.

Mackay District Court heard Alexander Keith Paterson, 42, was already facing charges of producing drugs from November 2022 when he was released on bail.

Then, eight months later, on July 23, 2023, Paterson was found at a house with the equipment and chemicals to make drugs and a quantity of meth.

Crown prosecutor Rana Aldas said Paterson was previously sentenced by District Judge Gregory Lynham to 12 months' imprisonment for similar offending including drug production.

“He successfully completed a period of parole for that,” Ms Aldas said.

The court heard he also had two previous convictions for drug driving.

Alexander Keith Paterson was arrested and spent two days in custody from July 26 to July 28 in 2023. Photo: Fergus Gregg.

Ms Aldas said when police searched the property, they found equipment “consistent with a laboratory” and 0.42g of meth with a “relatively high purity”.

Paterson pleaded guilty to possessing anything used in the commission of a crime, possessing dangerous drugs, producing drugs, possessing relevant equipment and chemicals and one charge of contravening a police order about a digital device.

Defence barrister Malcolm Harrison said Paterson was introduced to drugs when he was 16 and “he never recovered from that”.

He said Paterson’s parents continued to support him and had “bent over backwards to help him”.

He acknowledged Paterson’s fingerprints appeared on the equipment found by police, but added unidentified fingerprints were also found.

“It would appear other people use that house or there would be some other activities involved in the production going on,” Mr Harrison said.

“It is probably the result of being known among other drug addicts.”

Paterson is supported by his parents and the court heard he’s been a drug addict for around 26 years. Photo: Fergus Gregg.

District Judge Michael Burnett said Paterson “should be very grateful that your parents continue to support you in the way they do”.

The court heard Paterson was a qualified electrician and Judge Burnett said the cost to the community of Paterson’s addiction was “extraordinary”.

Judge Burnett said Paterson responded positively to parole.

“Courts have sought to assist you with various sentences imposed … there have been two instances of imprisonment but not a great deal of success has been achieved,” Judge Burnett said.

“Rehabilitation is not beyond your capacity.”

Paterson was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment with a parole date fixed for July 24, 2025 and two days of presentence custody between July 26 and July 28, 2023 were declared.

Convictions were recorded in relation to all charges.