Matthew Rollon Phillips fined for steroid stash

A Sunshine Coast charity founder was found with a stash of steroids after his ex dobbed him in to police. Read why he used the drugs:

A Sunshine Coast charity founder, who was found with a stash of steroids after his ex dobbed him in, claimed he was using the drugs to manage a workplace injury, a court has heard.

Matthew Rollon Phillips, now 35, was fined $300 in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday after he pleaded guilty to possessing dangerous drugs over the quantity of schedule three on July 30, 2021.

Police prosecutor Nick Nitschke told the court police found 19 vials of steroids in the Level Up Charity founder’s home.

“During a search of the ensuite police located a box containing unopened needles, swabs, clipsal bags and eight vials,” Sergeant Nitschke said.

The court heard police also found a smaller box containing 11 vials of assorted steroids.

Phillips was taken to the police station, but declined to take part in an interview.

Sergeant Nitschke said a significant fine was in range for the offending.

Phillips was originally charged with possessing dangerous drugs but had his charge upgraded on Monday.

His solicitor Andrew George told the court the roofing business owner was using the steroids to self medicate after he suffered a severe neck injury while working in October 2020.

Mr George said Phillips was using the steroids to manage symptoms associated with the injury but has sought professional advice.

“He has been seeing a specialist who (he is) engaging with to follow the right path in terms of managing his symptoms until such time he can have surgery on his neck,” he said.

The court heard Phillips was previously prescribed testosterone for the injury.

The charity founder started his foundation in January, 2020 to work alongside homeless and disadvantaged community members to improve the lives of those in need.

Matthew Rollon Phillips faced Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday after he was found with a stash of steroids on July 30. Picture: Social media

Mr George described the former personal trainer, who had gone through a recent relationship breakdown, as a “charitable man” and said the offending was out of character.

“More recently he has been down to Lismore where he has assisted with flood recovery efforts, he has been living in a swag on the side of the road and helping people there as much as he can through his charity,” he said.

He told the court Phillips’ ex-girlfriend had informed police about his illegal stash.

Mr George suggested a substantial fine as an appropriate punishment and asked for a conviction not be recorded.

He said a conviction would have lasting impacts on his employment.

Magistrates Raelene Ellis noted Phillips’ early guilty plea, his personal references and his charitable work.

“I take into account … setting up a charity and the nobleness around that especially on the coast where we need that type of charity given our increasing homelessness,” she said.

Ms Ellis said she accepted the drugs were for personal use.

She ordered the fine be paid within 28 days.

A conviction was not recorded.