Collette Hannah Burt sentenced for drug possession in Mackay court

A court heard a young woman claimed her drug spiral followed the “murder” of her ex partner, after a drugs stash was found in her handbag.

A court heard a young woman claimed her drug spiral followed the “murder” of her ex partner, after methamphetamine, cannabis, viagra, and more was found in her handbag.

A 24-year-old woman told a court her ex-partner had been murdered, and this loss caused her drug spiral.

Collette Hannah Burt was found with five clip seal bags of methamphetamine, a number of bags containing green leafy material, five Viagra tablets, syringes and a glass pipe in her handbag on January 3, 2024 at Bucasia.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard a concealed compartment in her computer harddrive also hid subutex tablets, which includes the opioid substitute buprenorphine.

Legal Aid Queensland lawyer Rosie Varley said her client made immediate admissions to police that the drugs were for her personal use.

Collette Hannah Burt leaving Mackay Magistrate Court on Monday, July 22, 2024. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Ms Varley said Burt had completed her schooling and several certificates at TAFE, worked consistently and had zero previous drug offences.

Ms Varley said she had been instructed Burt had been left “spiralling” into “heavy drug use” after her ex-boyfriend’s alleged murder.

“Her ex-partner of some years had passed away in august of 2023, he was actually murdered in New South Wales,” Ms Varley said.

“Although at the time they had been separated ... they still remained close friends and it was certainly a shock (that) most certainly had an impact.

“She was spiralling and did fall into heavy drug use.”

Burt pleaded guilty to possessing dangerous drugs, possessing used drug utensils, possessing controlled medicines, and failing to properly dispose of a syringe.

Collette Hannah Burt leaving Mackay Magistrate Court on Monday, July 22, 2024. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Acting Magistrate Nigel Rees noted she had a “very limited criminal history” and police prosecutor Sergeant Linden Pollard agreed fines were within range because of Burt’s lack of like offending.
“I am informed you have been a productive member of society and have been working,” Mr Rees said.

“Your life was spiralling out of control due to the death of their former partner, even though you were not together at that point in time.

“But his murder impacted you and no doubt took you on a very slippery slope.

“If you do have a drug problem you need to sort it out.”

Burt was fined $1000, referred to SPER, with no convictions recorded.