Michelle Maree Sullivan, Bayside, jailed for drug possession
A Bayside woman with a “shocking’’ criminal history has finally tasted life on the inside after a court heard the justice system had earlier “bent over backwards” to spare her from jail.
Redlands Coast
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A Bayside woman with a shocking criminal history has “reached the end of the road” after her failure to buy a train ticket led police to uncover a stash of methamphetamine.
Michelle Maree Sullivan faced Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 7.
She pleaded guilty to one count of possessing dangerous drugs, one count of possessing property suspected of being used in connection with dangerous drugs and one count of contravening a community service order.
Police Prosecutor Lisa Pye said Sullivan was approached by police at Cleveland Station on May 25 after she could not provide a ticket.
“Police asked her about not having a ticket and located six sealed clip bags of a crystal-like substance hidden in her glasses case,” Sergeant Pye said.
“She told police ‘put my f---ing drugs down, you f---ing pigs”.
The court heard Sullivan was identified through police inquiries and made admissions to being the owner of the methamphetamine.
“Police also located a glass pipe, with residue, wrapped in toilet paper (but) they were told to back away,” Sergeant Pye said.
Sullivan had a significant history and jail was therefore an option, Sergeant Pye said.
Her lawyer said Sullivan helped her moth care for her ill brother.
“She is one of 10 siblings and moved to the Redlands area nine years ago,” the lawyer said.
“She has started apprenticeships in plumbing, mechanics and baking.
“It is preferable the court chooses a sentence that leaves her in the community,” she said.
The court heard Sullivan intended to undergo drug counselling.
Magistrate Deborah Vasta said she took into account Sullivan’s early plea of guilty.
“You have a pretty shocking, six-page criminal history with stealing, breaches and drugs,” Ms Vasta said.
“The court has bent over backwards trying to keep you out of jail.
“You have been disengaged from community service and it’s now the end of the road.’’
Sullivan was sentenced to serve one month’s jail, with one month’s parole.
Convictions were recorded.
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