Michael Scott Bartlett faces Stanthorpe Magistrates Court after being caught in possession of methamphetamine

A Southern Downs magistrate has blasted a drug addict who was jailed after he was busted with meth hidden in his wallet. Read the magistrate’s stern warning.

A Stanthorpe drug addict has been jailed after he was busted possessing dangerous drugs, with two Granite Belt officers escorting him out of court after the magistrate delivered a stern warning.

Michael Scott Bartlett was busted possessing drugs hidden in his wallet and pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing dangerous drugs in Stanthorpe Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old was described by his defence lawyer, Clare Hine, as a “meth addict” who was “fully addicted” to the drug.

Michael Scott Bartlett was jailed for drug offences in Stanthorpe Magistrates Court on Wednesday

“He is at rock bottom and needs rehabilitation,” Ms Hine told the court.

The man’s life quickly spiralled out of control after he began using the drug two years ago after losing his job, and although he had been trying to “cut down” on the use of meth he is still “physically addicted”.

Bartlett’s drug possession was uncovered when police apprehending him, and discoveried meth in two clip seal bags stashed in his wallet.

The man was busted straight after being released on a suspended sentence.

Magistrate Andrew Cridland agreed with the defence, noting that Bartlett had a “serious drug problem” and had “accumulated a large history”.

“Realistically, you need to wake up to yourself and realise what’s going on or you’re going to spend a considerable amount of time in prison. Take this as a lesson and make sure you don’t return here (to court) once you’re out,” Mr Cridland said.

Bartlett was sentenced to a period of six months’ imprisonment, to be released on parole after two months served.