Jacqueline Katina Catherine Martin pleaded guilty to supplying drugs
A cleaner who was dealing meth and cannabis has been told in no uncertain terms that “drugs destroy lives” when she faced court for her crimes.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A drug dealer who supplied meth and cannabis was caught out during a police operation investigating another person.
Jacqueline Katina Catherine Martin, 34, pleaded guilty to eight counts of supplying a dangerous drug, possessing dangerous drugs, receiving tainted property, failing to appear in accordance with an undertaking and unlawful use of a motor vehicle when she appeared before Hervey Bay District Court.
Crown prosecutor Stephanie Gallagher said Martin’s criminal history was consistent with someone who had struggled with drug abuse.
Some of the offences had been committed while she was on bail or on a probation order, Ms Gallagher said.
The court heard Martin had come to the attention of police during the course of an operation.
She had been identified as a regular contact of the person who was the target of the operation and had supplied cannabis and meth.
Judge Michael Burnett said based on the evidence there had been five actual supplies and drugs were found in her possession.
The quantities supplied were relatively small, with Martin described as being a “street level” supplier.
Martin was caught with meth on one occasion and goods that had been stolen from a local IGA, Mr Burnett said.
MORE NEWS: Mystery shed blaze: Investigation into fatal fire continues
“You plainly have a drug problem, that’s evident from your criminal history,” he said.
He said Martin had been a drug user as much as a supplier.
Defence barrister Phillip Hardcastle said Martin was living in Maryborough.
MORE NEWS: Maryborough Lotto winner celebrates $100k windfall
She had been working in the mines until she lost her licence and was now doing cleaning work.
Martin had spent 44 days in presentence custody.
“It may not occur to you, but drugs actually destroy lives,” Mr Burnett said.
Martin was given a head sentence of 12 months in prison with immediate release on parole.
The 44 days she had spent in presentence custody were declared as time served.