Caine Rootes: Dubbo coke, cannabis dealer sentenced

A man who helped move 75kg of pot between the Hunter Valley and the streets of Dubbo has tried to convince a judge to let him out of jail because he has ADHD.

A Dubbo man who sold massive amounts of cannabis and dealt with hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug money will be eligible for parole in October.

Caine Leslie Rootes, also known as Caine Kilpatrick, was sentenced in the District Court at Dubbo on Friday after he was handed convictions for supplying 14.2 grams of cocaine and 75.9 kilograms of cannabis.

Caine Rootes being taken to Dubbo Police Station after his arrest. Picture: NSW Police

The 30-year-old was also convicted of dealing with $420,000 in proceeds of crime which was generated through a drug supply syndicate he was an integral part of.

Rootes and three other men involved in the syndicate helped ship cannabis from the Hunter Region and onto the streets of Dubbo.

The syndicate was dismantled in March 2019 after detectives wrapped up an eight-month investigation which involved phone taps, surveillance and an undercover cop buying cannabis from Adam Carnevale, a Dubbo panel beater who Rootes supplied cannabis to in bulk amounts.

Before Judge Nanette Williams sentenced Rootes, his lawyers had argued he should be released on parole because of his good behaviour in jail, family hardship and an ADHD diagnosis which only came to light after he was arrested.

Caine Rootes holidaying before his arrest. Picture: Facebook

Judge Williams said there was “no causal link” between the ADHD diagnosis Rootes received and his drug dealing.

The court heard Rootes was a daily user of cannabis and consumed half a carton of beer most days before he was arrested.

While Judge Williams said Rootes had a lengthy criminal record — which included convictions for drink driving, affray, common assault and failing to stop during a police pursuit — she made a finding of special circumstances which allowed him to spend more time on parole.

“I am mindful of the fact that this is the offender’s first time in custody,” Judge Williams said as she explained the finding.

“I am also particularly mindful of the hardship that the family members have been exposed to, particularly the ill health of Ms Willoughby (Rootes’s girlfriend who suffered ovarian cancer and other health ailments).”

Caine Rootes and Kylie Willougby in happier times. Picture: Facebook

Judge Williams said living with ADHD and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a reduction in family visits, made jail a more onerous environment for Rootes.

“While it is true, the offender did not give sworn evidence attesting to his remorse … I note principally I do find remorse in the plea of guilty.

“I do find positive prospects of rehabilitation.”

Judge Williams said Rootes had made “significant progress in custody” and been moved from Wellington jail to the Macquarie Correctional Centre because of his good behaviour.

“I’m particularly impressed by his efforts making furniture and sending them to his family members,” she said.

Rootes previously worked as a builder, had an “excellent work ethic” and always held down a job in the years since he finished school, Judge Williams said.

Rootes was sentenced to four years and six months in jail, with a non-parole period of two years and seven months.

Taking into account time already served since his arrest, Rootes will be eligible for parole on October 17.

Cassilis man Michael Paul Anderson is due to be sentenced later this month after pleading guilty to supplying Rootes with 37kg of cannabis and about 17 grams of cocaine, which Rootes supplied to guests at a wedding.

Caine Rootes on the day of his arrest. Picture: NSW Police

Adam Carnevale has been convicted of drug supply and dealing with proceeds of crime offences. He will be eligible for parole on June 17.

Jeffrey Mears, the Cessnock-based mule who delivered drugs to Rootes, was convicted of drug supply offences and became eligible for release on December 17 last year.

Carnevale’s partner Tracey Gould has pleaded not guilty to knowingly taking part in drug supply and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime. She will stand trial in May.