Peter Graham Burst sentenced in court for supplying dangerous drugs

A police raid at a Central Qld father’s house revealed more than a small amount of drugs and drug paraphernalia, with authorities finding messages on his phone offering to supply drugs. Here’s what happened to him.

A police raid at a Central Queensland father’s house revealed more than a small amount of drugs and drug paraphernalia, with authorities finding messages on his phone offering to supply marijuana and methamphetamine.

Peter Graham Burst, 29, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton District Court on June 21 to five counts of supplying dangerous drugs, and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils or pipes that had been used, possessing weapons category M and possessing tainted property.

Crown prosecutor Claire Brtevnik said police searched Burst’s house on May 3, 2020 and declared items of interest named on the warrant, including meth, clip seal bags and money, and told police he also had pipes.

Ms Brtevnik said police did not find meth but did find a small amount of marijuana, less than 1g in Burst’s bedroom and less than 1g in the bathroom.

Peter Graham Burst, 29, appeared in Rockhampton District Court on June 21, 2022.

Police also found three glass pipes, a bong, clip seal bags, $1750 hidden inside a tissue box and a flip knife in his vehicle.

Ms Brtevnik said Burst handed police his mobile phone, which contained drug related messages.

She said a download of Burst’s phone revealed five offers to supply between April 26 and May 1, 2020.

Four of the supplies related to $50 worth of marijuana and one related to 0.2g of meth.

The court heard Burst was selling drugs to fund his own habit.

“He told police it was cheaper to pool it in and split it up when he sourced his own drugs,” Ms Brtevnik said.

“He said he would sell drugs for cash if the person had money, but if they wanted it and he had it he would give it to them.

“He said he had made a couple hundred bucks.”

Defence barrister Julie Marsden said her client tried marijuana and meth when he was about 21 years old and found marijuana more addictive.

“It has been a number of months since he has used marijuana,” Ms Marsden said.

“He says he was going through a rough time then.”

She said the offending was “low level” and that the supplies were offers only.

“He instructs he was just giving it to mates and brothers,” she said.

“His recent incarceration has been a real eye opener for him.

“He now realises the seriousness of his offending.”

Burst was sentenced to 15 months prison with immediate parole and 15 days declared as time served.

The drug paraphernalia was forfeited to the Crown.