Michael Rich: Dubbo man sentenced for drug possession

A magistrate has praised a western NSW man for engaging positively in rehabilitation techniques after he was charged with possessing illicit drugs.

Michael Rich leaving Dubbo Local Court after being sentenced for illicit drug possession.

A Dubbo man has been commended by a magistrate for his efforts at rehabilitation after his recent arrest for possessing illicit substances.

Michael Rich, 42, appeared in Dubbo Local Court, pleading guilty to possessing cannabis and methylamphetamine when he was riding his bike at the Western Star Hotel carpark between 10.20pm and 10.30pm in August 2022.

Agreed facts tendered to the court revealed the police asked Rich about what he was doing in the carpark, which he could not explain.

Rich had previously been charged 20 times, which influenced the officers’ decision to conduct a search due to the time of night, according to the facts.

Dubbo Courthouse

Police searched Rich’s pockets and discovered a clear resealable bag and a smaller clear resealable bag of a cannabis leaf and a white crystalline substance.

Officers seized and weighed 3.2g of cannabis and 0.2g of methylamphetamines.

Dubbo Courthouse

Magistrate Greg Grogin praised Rich’s rehabilitation, saying “actions speak louder than words” and that his “progress is admirable”.

“You should be very proud of yourself; you make me feel like this job is worthwhile when you’re making progress,” Mr Grogin said.

“I’m really impressed with the counselling, keep up the hard work”.

Mr Grogin reduced Rich’s fines “considerably” due to his effort.

Rich was fined $110 for cannabis possession and $250 for methylamphetamine possession.