Northern Rivers man Sean David Byrnes jailed for supplying and possessing drugs

A stonemason was busted with 168g of cocaine on the North Coast after police found a makeup box filled with a mix of illegal substances with each compartment being organised by drug type.

Sean David Byrnes’ family were in the public gallery to support him when he faced court.

An Ocean Shores stonemason was busted with 168g of cocaine after police found illegal substances compartmentalised in a makeup box.

Sean David Byrnes faced Byron Bay Local Court on Tuesday through videolink where he pleaded guilty to six counts of drug supply and four counts of drug possession.

The 50-year-old man also pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit, dealing with the proceeds of crime and having suspected stolen goods.

Court documents state police pulled Byrnes’ silver Nissan over on Gulgan Rd, Brunswick Heads, about 9.40pm on July 20 shortly after he had parked in an area known for illegal activity.

Byrnes appeared “fidgety” and “extremely anxious” when he told police he had ingested cocaine a week prior, documents continue.

Police raided Byrnes’ home after they searched his car. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Officers found a small amount of cocaine on him before they searched his car where they located a makeup box filled with a cocktail of drugs.

Each box compartment was organised by drug type with the top shelf housing 11g of MDMA, the second self consisting of 49g of cannabis and the bottom shelf storing 55g of cocaine.

Byrnes was sentenced at Byron Bay Court House. Picture: Savannah Pocock

Officers also found 80g ketamine and small amounts of dextroamphetamine and oxycodone.

Police raided Byrnes’ Ocean Shores home the next day and found an additional 113g of cocaine, 33g MDMA, a slingshot and $13,500 cash.

In court, Byrnes’ lawyer John Weller said his client was trapped in a roof cavity during the 2022 floods and volunteered his time to help with the reconstruction period.

The offender had a limited criminal record, he is unlikely to reoffend and is remorseful for his behaviour, Mr Weller said.

Magistrate Karen Stafford said she had lost count of the number of people she had dealt with for using illegal drugs.

“I deal with young people who die from taking drugs at music festivals. There is no pill testing in NSW,” she said.

“I’ve heard liquid paper, hairspray and other chemicals that should never be ingested by human beings are being routinely consumed by young people, putting their lives at risk.”

While Ms Stafford acknowledged Byrnes was suffering from anxiety and fighting substance abuse, she said there is a need for the court to deter people who are addicted to drugs from supplying it to community members.

Byrnes was sentenced to jail for 18 months with a non-parole period of six months.