Even this junkie won’t back himself to get clean

A heroin addict given the chance to walk free from court instead agreed to a $750 fine because he feared not passing drug tests.

A drug addict has turned down pleas from a Brisbane magistrate and even a police prosecutor to agree to probation because he was worried he would fail mandatory drug testing.

Pitou Ieng, of Sunnybank Hills, instead opted to pay a $750 fine after pleading guilty in Holland Park Magistrates Court today to five drug charges.

Magistrate Simon Young shook his head in disbelief after Ieng left the court.

He warned him at least three times of the consequences of reoffending after turning down probation.

The police prosecutor said he recommended probation despite Ieng admitting to police, who executed a search warrant on his home on March 24, that he had smoked cannabis and heroin, used methadone and taken a restricted medication used to treat anxiety (Alprazolam, or Xanax).

Ieng also admitted to police to using drug pipes, foil, straws and other drug utensils, the court was told.

Painter jailed after 13 year of defrauding, stealing from clients and his boss

Man allegedly smashed motorist’s jaw in road rage attack: court

We lie awake at night worrying if we release a domestic violence offender: magistrate

Man faces DVO charges after losing wife, job, house

Redlands police senior-sergeant’s son fined for knocking man, 64, unconscious

The prosecutor said police found 12 bottles of methadone in Ieng’s fridge.

“He admitted to being a heroin user and said he sometimes used methadone so he did not suffer from withdrawal,’’ the prosecutor said.

Ieng pleaded guilty to all five charges.

Mr Young asked him if he wanted an adjournment so he could find a lawyer, which he refused.

When asked if he wanted to consent to probation, Ieng hesitated but then declined after Mr Young told him a probation order would involve mandatory drug testing.

“There would have to be regular drug testing. It’s designed to be a step in the process to assist you, while also holding you to account,’’ Mr Young said.

When Mr Young told him he faced a $750 fine if he refused the offer, Ieng said he preferred to pay the fine.

“I’m concerned, from the facts, Mr Ieng has a significant drug habit and is refusing to deal with it,’’ Mr Young said.

“I’m concerned he will be back in court before too long.

“You really can’t afford to be back here with further drug charges, Mr Ieng.’’

No conviction was recorded.