Ben Charter: Tweed man sentenced for theft charges

A NSW North Coast man’s tragic early life led him to save himself through drug use and sex work, a court has heard.

A northern NSW man who is no stranger to the justice system has revealed how he tragically turned to crime, revealing that sex work and drug use prevented him from self-harm.

Ben Charter, 41, pleaded guilty to stealing food, milk and a bicycle while also driving without a licence, subsequently appearing before Tweed Heads Local Court on September 12 for sentence on an array of theft and driving without a licence charges.

The court heard the only reason Charter kept himself from harming himself was heroin and sex work.

Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy commented on Charter’s stealing and reproached him for his alarming actions.

“It has happened right there in front of the victim, it’s a more frightening experience for them,” Mr Dunlevy said.

Mr Dunlevy said he took into account Charter’s pleas of guilty and determined not to impose any further punishment beyond recorded convictions for each offence.

“You’ve served a retractive time in custody already,” Mr Dunlevy said.

“It looks as if your childhood and early teens have imprinted on you and the types of decisions you’ve made, and it relatively lowers your cognitive ability.”

Mr Dunlevy also noted Charter’s time in custody was more difficult due to Covid-19 lockdowns.

Mr Dunlevy sentenced Charter to a fixed term of imprisonment for three months for the theft expiring on August 12 this year and a conviction with no further penalty for the shoplifting.

Charter was then resentenced for a prior affray which was called up following his convictions in the 2022 matters.

In that matter, Mr Dunlevy imposed a 12-month prison sentence to start on August 12, with a one-month non-parole period to expire on September 11 – meaning Charter has since been released on parole.

Charter was also handed a six-month driving disqualification period, and told by Mr Dunlevy that he must not drive on a road or road-related area for six months before gaining a valid licence.

Lifeline 13 11 14.