Holly Jade Matthews sentenced in Toowoomba Supreme Court for trafficking methylamphetamine

In a ‘serious example’ of trafficking that went beyond the need to supply her own addiction, a Dalby woman has faced court for dealing methylamphetamine across Toowoomba.

A judge has handed down an “unsatisfactory” sentence to a Dalby woman that supplied quantities of up to an ounce of methylamphetamine at a time in a serious drug operation.

Holly Jade Matthews, 28, pleaded guilty to trafficking in dangerous drugs in Toowoomba between July and August 2020.

The court was told during Matthews’ time as a drug dealer she had six regular customers that she would supply quantities of up to an ounce to, as well as selling methylamphetamine to her own supplier on three occasions.

The police facts also stated there was a sophistication to Matthews’ operation and a desire to develop a reputation as selling high quality drugs.

While her barrister Scott Lynch submitted that she has battled with a severe drug addiction for some time, she had taken positive steps towards rehabilitation during her 13 months spent in custody since her arrest.

Mr Lynch said the period of trafficking was short, but conceded that her dealing was above “street level” quantities.

“She was drug addicted at the time, there was no glamour,” Mr Lynch said.

“Since she has been in custody she has made endeavours to set up safeguards for her upon release.”

Mr Lynch said Matthews’ had the support of her ex-husband and mother, as well rehabilitation groups, that would assist in her recovery from her addiction upon her release.

“In terms of those support mechanisms it’s close contact with family, an offer of employment and also the fact that she has a young child that she can regain the support of over time,” Mr Lynch said.

Justice Martin Burns said Matthews’ actions were a serious example of trafficking that went well beyond the need to supply her own addiction, while acknowledging that her addiction stemmed from methylamphetamine use to self-medicate untreated mental disorders.

“You strike me as an intelligent woman, you must know when you’re sober not only the serious harm your trafficking caused but also the harm it caused to those around you, including your son, your wider family and those who care for you,” Justice Burns said.

Justice Burns said he had intended to sentence Matthews’ to three years behind bars, and grant immediate parole, however since the offences took place while she was already on parole that was not an option available to the court.

Rather than set a parole eligibility date, and subject Matthews to months behind bars due to the delays in the parole board hearing applications, Justice Burns opted to take an “unsatisfactory” approach.

Despite earlier stating that Matthews “was just not a candidate” for a suspended sentence due to her “intense and disturbing” criminal history, he handed her four years behind bars, suspended for five years.

“Although you’re an intelligent woman you seem to have no difficulty getting caught, and your criminal history reflects that with numerous convictions in a short period of time,” Justice Burns said.

“So perhaps that’s some assurance I can take, but this sentence is unsatisfactory, it’s not perfect, because you do need that ongoing supervision.

“I’m placing a great deal of faith in your mother, your family, your support services to make sure you don’t put a foot wrong.”

Originally published as Holly Jade Matthews sentenced in Toowoomba Supreme Court for trafficking methylamphetamine