Harley Raymond Philp faces Toowoomba Supreme Court for trafficking drugs on streets of Toowoomba, Dalby and Warwick

A 27-year-old with an ‘appalling criminal history’, has fronted Toowoomba Supreme Court for selling drugs across the streets of Toowoomba, Dalby and Warwick. See what happened in court.

A 27-year-old Dalby diesel fitter who trafficked drugs in Toowoomba, Dalby and Warwick over a five week period has been jailed for three years.

Harley Raymond Philp had “an appalling criminal history” dating back to his teenage years, Toowoomba Supreme Court was told on Wednesday.

Over a five week period, the 27-year-old had dealt various drugs on the streets of Dalby, Toowoomba and Warwick but had primarily sold methamphetamine and some LSD, Crown prosecutor Nicole Friedewald told the court.

While Philp was “clearly using drugs” himself, he had boasted to others about making a profit from the sales which pointed to an element of commerciality, she said.

His offending came to light when his car was pulled over by police and a subsequent search found 4g of meth in packages ready for sale and some LSD, Ms Friedewald said.

Dalby man Harley Raymond Philp.

However, the extent of his trafficking came to light when police analysed his mobile phone and found messages relating to drug activity, she said.

Philp made some admissions to police but denied trafficking drugs, claiming someone else had been using his phone, the court was told.

Ms Friedewald said Philp had spent 64 days in custody after his arrest but had been serving out a previous jail term which wasn’t due to expire until January 2024.

Philp pleaded guilty to trafficking, possessing meth above the 2g schedule, possessing LSD and possessing a phone used for trafficking drugs.

His barrister Steve Kissick said his client’s pregnant partner was in court supporting him and the couple was due to have a child in June.

Philp had suffered trauma as a child and had been basically abandoned by his parents, he said.

His client hoped to do some rehabilitation courses while in custody and wanted to turn his life around for the sake of his child, Mr Kissick said.

Justice Peter Callaghan

Justice Peter Callaghan noted Philp had a serious criminal history but at 27 he needed to change his life and use his skills as a diesel fitter.

“As you know, you have an appalling criminal history which began when you were 18 years of age,” he said.

Justice Callaghan said he took into account the 64 days Philp had spent in custody since his arrest and that these were early pleas of guilty.

Philp was sentenced to three years in jail, with a parole release date set as of March 8, 2024.

Originally published as Harley Raymond Philp faces Toowoomba Supreme Court for trafficking drugs on streets of Toowoomba, Dalby and Warwick