Brianna Jade Wex faces Biloela Magistrates Court for drug offending

A Central Queensland woman says her latest drug offending was a “slip up” but a magistrate came to a different conclusion. Here’s why.

A Central Queensland woman busted with drugs in her handbag claims it was a “slip up” but a magistrate looked at her history and formed a different opinion.

Brianna Jade Wex, 33, pleaded guilty in Biloela Magistrates Court on August 3 to possessing dangerous drugs.

Police Prosecutor Kelvin Boyd said about 12.30pm on June 5, police intercepted Wex driving a Holden Commodore on Biloela’s Rainbow Street.

Mr Boyd said on reasonable suspicion, police searched the vehicle for drugs.

During that search, in Wex’s handbag, police found a clip-seal bag containing 1g of cannabis.

Mr Boyd said Wex told police the bag had initially contained 2g to 3g of cannabis which she had purchased for “around $20”.

Brianna Jade Wex.

When tendering Wex’s criminal history, Mr Boyd said there was a drug possession offence on it from 2016.

Mr Boyd said on Wex’s traffic history there was a drug-driving offence from 2021.

Wex, who was given an opportunity to speak with a duty lawyer, decided not to as she wanted to represent herself in court.

Wex told Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale that she was “very remorseful” for her latest offending which was a “slip up” but Ms Beckinsale said Wex’s history indicated some persistence, referring to the drug-driving offence from last year.

“You’ve had that 2021 offence to show that it hasn’t been clearly a five or six year break in drug use,” Ms Beckinsale said.

“You tell me you are addressing that.”

Ms Beckinsale considered a probation order but after discussion with Wex, decided to fine her $500.

No conviction was recorded.