Nicholas Kristopher Jackson-Nelson found with prescription drugs after crash

A Sunshine Coast factory worker was found with drugs and a replica handgun for ‘protection’ after he crashed into a hinterland property. Read how he explained his cargo.

A Sunshine Coast Buderim Ginger worker who armed himself with a replica gun and knife for “protection” has crashed his car while drunk.

Police were called to Nicholas Kristopher Jackson-Nelson’s crash along Diamond Valley Rd in Diamond Valley about 2am on June 4, 2022.

Caloundra Magistrates Court was told the 30-year-old Nundah man was arrested and searched by police after returning a positive alcohol reading roadside.

Police prosecutor Stu Lydford said 37 tablets of oxycodone were found in Jackson-Nelson’s bag, along with eight tablets of alprazolam and a subutex tablet.

Sergeant Lydford said a replica firearm was found as well along with a knife, which the Nundah claimed was for his “protection”.

Jackson-Nelson was breath tested at the Maroochydore watch house where he returned a reading of 0.176 per cent.

The court heard the Buderim Ginger worker had “overindulged” on pharmaceuticals and alcohol that evening before getting lost on his way to Kenilworth from Mountain Creek.

Jackson-Nelson told police he was self medicating for his mental health but had no prescriptions for the drugs found and had the weapons for his safety.

Magistrate Catherine Benson said in doctors’ material tendered to the court it showed he had a “dependence on drugs” but was working to rehabilitate himself.

Jackson-Nelson pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing drugs, possessing restricted items, drink driving, driving without a licence and possessing a knife.

He was fined $2200 and disqualified from driving for nine months.

Convictions were recorded.