Dubbo CYMS star Jeremy Thurston sentenced for selling drugs

A talented rugby league player who was caught repeatedly selling drugs to a police “source” in far western NSW has stopped using ice, a court has heard.

A popular Dubbo rugby league player has been ordered to do 50 hours community service work after he was caught selling ice in Bourke.

Jeremy Arthur Thurston pleaded guilty to five supply prohibited drug charges which related to the sale of ice to a “NSW Police Registered Source” during a 19-day period in March 2019, court documents state.

Dubbo man Jeremy Thurston was convicted of five supply prohibited drug offences. Picture: Instagram/ @thurston_jeremy

The source was first briefed by police to purchase ice from Thurston who supplied a total of 0.15 grams.

Police said Thurston received $300 for the drugs.

His dealing was uncovered by police who were part of Strike Force Quarrang, which was formed in early 2020 to target the supply of drugs in Bourke.

In the District Court at Dubbo Thurston’s defence lawyer Derek Buchanan said his client had become a changed man since he was caught selling ice.

“He’s not using ice anymore, he’s fit and strong,” Mr Buchanan told the court.

Judge Dina Yehia said Thurston appeared remorseful for actions and had taken steps to get his life back on track since relocating to Dubbo from Bourke where the court heard he had “no direction, discipline or ambition”.

The amount of ice Jeremy Thurston sold was “relatively small”, the court heard.

Thurston now had paid employment and had not reoffended since March 2020, Judge Yehia said.

“He is also a football player for a well known football club, the Dubbo CYMS,” she told the court.

“He trains twice a week … he has made a positive name for himself … the local paper reported on the excitement in the community at the start of the Group 11 rugby league.

“He seems to have turned his life around”.

Judge Yehia said while Thurston sold “relatively small quantities” a sentence which deterred him and other like minded offenders from selling drugs needed to be handed down.

“No attempt was made by the offender to hide his identity or involvement,” she said.

“I am satisfied that he has made positive steps in his rehabilitation and is unlikely to offend.”

Thurston was convicted and handed five community corrections orders set to last two years.

He was also ordered to undertake 50 hours of community service work.