A Double Bay real estate agent’s ATM chat lands him in court

Unbeknown to Ben Cassen, police were standing behind him and overheard him chatting to a mate about buying cocaine.

Ben Cassen was found guilty of possessing cocaine and no conviction was recorded.

A loud talking Double Bay real estate agent was caught with drugs after police were standing behind him at an ATM and overheard his conversation with a mate.

Benjamin Cassen’s plans for the night took a turn when police watched as he withdrew money, then briefly got into a Honda Accord, before getting straight back out.

Cassen, a sales executive with Ballard Property Group, was found guilty in the Downing Centre Local Court of possessing cocaine.

Police facts revealed Cassen, a former Cranbrook student, was chatting to a mate while withdrawing cash at a Commonwealth Bank ATM near the Golden Sheaf Hotel on August 26.

Double Bay agent Ben Cassen and his stepmother the former Australian ballerina Brooke Lockett.

Unbeknown to Cassen, standing behind him were cops who were in the area targeting drug use in the eastern suburbs as part of a crackdown on dial-a-dealer operations.

“Police were standing behind the accused (and his friend) and heard them having a conversation about organising to purchase drugs,” police facts said.

After getting a wad of cash, Cassen and his friend were observed walking into a private office building.

Police said that at about 11.20pm they observed Cassen leave the building and stand on the corner of New South Head Rd and Cross St.

Ben Cassen is a sales executive at Ballard Property in Double Bay.

Cassen was at an ATM near The Golden Sheaf.

“The accused was observed to be constantly checking his phone and looking around.”

They then watched as Cassen got into the front seat of a grey Honda Accord and “exit shortly after”.

Officers approached Cassen and found three clear resealable bags of white powder in his pants pocket.

Cassen was found guilty of drug possession and sentenced to a Conditional Release Order for 12 months, but no conviction was recorded.

Cassen is the stepson of former Australian ballerina Brooke Lockett, who regularly posts pictures of him on her social media accounts alongside his motorcycle dealer father Robert Cassen.

Ballard Property’s website said Cassen was born and bred in the eastern suburbs and enjoys selling houses on the “streets he grew up on”.

“Ben Cassen draws on his in-depth knowledge of the Eastern Suburbs market to achieve the finest results for his valued clients,” it read.

“Known for his honed negotiating skills and drive to succeed, Ben’s commitment to excellent customer services means he always goes the extra mile to secure a premium outcome in any market conditions.”

When contacted, Cassen said he had no comment to make about his drug charge.