Industrial machinery painter Kerian Crust pleads guilty to dealing steroids, cocaine

Incriminating texts uncovered by police during a major drug sting have revealed a Sunshine Coast painter moonlighted as a suburban steroid dealer to people he knew from the gym.

Kerian Iain Crust faced Maroochydore District Court on Tuesday for sentencing on multiple drug supply charges. Picture: Patrick Woods

A Caloundra machinery painter had his secret steroid dealing side hustle discovered in incriminating phone messages during a raid on his home, a court has heard.

Police swooped on Kerian Iain Crust’s home as part of a larger drug operation on May 19, 2022 where an analysis of his phone revealed he was moonlighting as a suburban anabolic steroid supplier.

In texts found by police the 36-year-old supplied types of steroids 10 times to customers, discussed or made offers three times and on one occasion supplied $500 worth of cocaine between February 2021 and May 2022.

Maroochydore District Court heard on Tuesday Crust’s dealing took place across the Sunshine Coast including Kunda Park and Sippy Downs but was primarily at Moffat Beach.

Crown prosecutor Rhys Byrne said the Caloundra man was supplying to people he knew from his gym in deals where he would sell quantities of up to $100 worth of steroids or otherwise vials.

Kerian Iain Crust leaving court on Tuesday. Picture: Patrick Woods

Crust’s legal team said the former Gold Coast man had several careers throughout his life including automotive painting, IT programming and operations management however was currently running a prominent industrial machinery painting company.

Defence barrister Damien Gates said Crust’s charges were originally heard in the Queensland Supreme Court however they were relegated back to the District Court, stating there was no commercial element to his schedule one drug side hustle.

Mr Gates said Crust effectively supplied only four friends from the gym and didn’t make an income or run a business, where his customers essentially contacted him.

Judge Glen Cash stated references tendered to the court spoke of Crust’s good character, and cited how the 36-year-old made positive steps since his arrest by seeking out counselling.

The District Court Judge said the money involved was not “insubstantial” as it amounted to a few thousand dollars, but said there was no indication he was profiting from his enterprise.

Judge Cash said his offending was balanced on Crust’s good character, his rehab and community contribution.

Crust pleaded guilty to 14 counts of supplying dangerous drugs and was sentenced to 18 months’ jail, suspended immediately for 18 months.