Thomas Zachary Carson pleads guilty to drug and firearm charges after Mount Pleasant raid
The barrel of the illegal gun was painted gold, eerily matching the toy gun police had found on the bench which the father claimed ‘his son had painted’.
Police & Courts
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A father-of-two was found with meth, marijuana and an illegal rifle, the barrel of which was painted gold and eerily matched the toy gun found among the rabble of drugs.
Police executed a search of the Mount Pleasant property for drugs and firearms about 11am on May 4 this year.
The court heard 28-year-old Thomas Zachary Carson and another woman had attempted to flee the house on foot but were caught before they made it out the door.
Police observed a number of drug related items scattered across the bar area including clip seal bags containing marijuana and methamphetamine, drug utensils, pipes and scales.
Crews located 29 grams of marijuana and 5 grams of methamphetamine declared for personal use.
Police also located 11 marijuana plants which Carson said were his and a shortened bolt action firearm loaded with .22 calibre bullets hidden in white tubing.
Carson had reported the firearm stolen to police weeks before the raid but claimed it had “turned up” at the house just days before and was modified.
The barrel of the gun was painted gold, matching the toy gun police had found on the bench which Carson claimed “his son had painted”.
Carson was charged with drug and firearm offences.
While Carson had a license for category A and B firearms, prosecutor Sergeant Jay Merchant the modifications to the weapon and the loaded barrel suggested a “sinister intent”.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced in Mackay Magistrates Court on July 1 2021.
The court heard Carson had been dealing with personal issues including a recent relationship breakdown with his partner.
Magistrate Athol Kennedy sentenced Carson to 12 months probation with drug diversion and counselling programs.
Magistrate Kennedy ordered the forfeiture of his firearms and licence.
No conviction was recorded.
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