David Celeski spared jail for drugs and weapons offences
A man found unconscious in a Canberra brothel with drugs, weapons, and over $12,000 in cash has been spared more time behind bars. Find out why the judge decided on another course of action.
Canberra Star
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A man busted with meth, heroin, guns and over $12,000 in cash after he was found unconscious in a Canberra brothel has been spared further time behind bars.
David Celeski, 40, will spend two years under the watchful eyes of the court through a two-year drug and alcohol treatment order.
On February 5, paramedics who were called to Langtrees Bar and Bordello in Mitchell to assist an unconscious Celeski were shocked to discover the illicit items in his black and blue puma bag.
Following the dramatic discovery, he was transported by police guard to Calvary Hospital in Bruce and has been in custody ever since.
Celeski pleaded guilty to seven charges, including two counts of drug trafficking dealing in the proceeds of crime, possessing firearms, possessing ammunition, supplying a declared substance, and possessing a declared substance.
He was then referred to the drug and alcohol sentencing list at the ACT Supreme Court, which deals with offenders whose substance abuse issues have fuelled their crimes.
Acting Justice Richard Refshauge said Celeski was born in Macedonia, and his family moved to Australia in 1988.
They first lived in Sydney before moving to Queanbeyan to be closer to the town’s vibrant Macedonian community.
He said Celeski studied at Canberra College and began to study architecture at the University of Canberra before dropping out due to anxiety and depression.
The judge said the man began to use drugs – specifically meth and heroin - on and off during his teens to help him manage his mental health.
He said Celeski worked in the building industry, had three kids, and was separated from his wife, who he married in 2007.
The judge described his drug dealing as a measure to fuel his meth and heroin addiction and a source of profit.
In sentencing, Acting Justice Refshauge said Celeski had 45 prior convictions on his record and was serving a good behaviour order for offences related to theft at a Queanbeyan business.
He sentenced Celeski to four years and nine months in jail.
However, the judge suspended the sentence entirely after granting an application for a drug and alcohol treatment order, sentencing Celeski to two years in the program.
Acting Justice Refshauge told a teary Celeski to take the opportunity the court gave him with “both hands”.
“You have come to the right place. This court will support you,” he said.
“But if you don’t comply, you will go back to jail.
“it’s going to be a long two years — you need to work hard.
The judge told Celeski his offending was not victimless.
“It’s not just you giving your mates drugs,” he said
Following the sentencing, Celeski’s mother was seen doing the sign of the cross, and his father said, “thank you, god bless you” to the judge.
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