Caitlyn Leigh Garven faces Mackay Supreme Court after dealing methylamphetamines

Tears rolled down the mum’s cheeks as the justice told her she loved drugs more than her young daughter if she continued dealing.

A judge has reprimanded a Mackay mother for loving drugs more than her toddler as her commercial operation was laid out in court.

Tears rolled down Caitlyn Leigh Garven’s cheeks as she faced Mackay Supreme Court from the dock on Monday while her two-year-old daughter was minded next door.

Crown prosecutor Elizabeth Kelso said police carried out a search warrant on the Beaconsfield home Garven, 28, shared with her then partner and father of her child on February 13 this year.

The court heard police found a red and black case inside a washing basket in their bedroom containing tick sheets detailing Garven selling 0.175g lots of methylamphetamine for $400 each.

Next to the basket was a multi-coloured pencil case with three clip-seal bags collectively containing 8.21g of methylamphetamine, electronic scales and a glass pipe.

Ms Kelso said police also found a wallet with almost $2000 cash, a clip seal bag with less than 1g of marijuana and two driving licences that did not belong to her.

She said Garven was arrested but was “less than forthcoming” making no admissions about the drugs to police, her partner doing the same.

Both were released on bail, the court hearing Garven had avoided contact with the dangerous drug since.

Caitlyn Leigh Garven faced Mackay Supreme Court after running a methylamphetamines operation from her Beaconsfield home. Picture: Heidi Petith

Barron and Allen Lawyers defence barrister Paul Rutledge said Garven accepted she had a meth problem and was wanting to leave Mackay with her daughter.

Mr Rutledge said his client was requesting the Department of Housing help her find accommodation in Ipswich where she could be closer to her parents.

He requested Justice Graeme Crow grant his client immediate parole so she could seek needed support.

“ (Garven) clearly has love for her young child and she’s clearly shown the insight that she’s got to get out of (Mackay),” Mr Rutledge said.

Justice Crow said methylamphetamines had heavily gripped the mother who had resorted to selling drugs to fund hers and her then partner’s habit.

He told Garven it would be “extremely wise” to relocate, warning that foiling a second chance would result in her being separated from her daughter.

“A mother that takes methylamphetamines is not a loving mother because they love methylamphetamines more than their child,” Judge Crow said.

“It’s that simple.”

Caitlyn Leigh Garven was visibly relieved to be leaving Mackay Supreme Court on Monday, July 12. Picture: Heidi Petith

He said the community ordinarily expected drug suppliers to face jail time but in this “unusual” instance it must be balanced against her rehabilitation needs with Garven having no history of serious drug offences.

Garven pleaded guilty to possessing a dangerous drug in excess of 2g, a dangerous drug, utensils and tainted property.

Justice Crow sentenced her to two years jail with immediate parole and convictions were recorded.

“If you come before this court again … you will be separated from your child and you’re likely to go on a very sad path,” he said.