Thomas Walton jailed after dealing cocaine for Illawarra party drug syndicate

A heavy diesel mechanic busted dealing cocaine developed a ‘significant taste for the product he was supposed to market’.

A Wollongong mechanic who sold half a kilo of cocaine for a party drug syndicate run by a set of redhead twins has been jailed.

Thomas Walton, 31, faced the NSW District Court on Wednesday, where he was sentenced to four years and three months jail by Judge Andre Haesler, who said while Walton had shown remorse for his actions, he knew exactly what he was doing at the time.

“He played a key role in distribution of the drugs,” he said.

“He knew what he was doing, he wanted drugs and money and he was willing and engaged in the role.”

Walton pleaded guilty to supplying a commercial quantity of cocaine and knowingly take part in the supply of MDMA, after initially denying the allegations.

Thomas Walton was supported by a large group of family and friends during his court appearance. Picture: Facebook

Walton has been on remand in custody since he was arrested on August 16, 2019, when investigators from Strike Force Yuparra smashed a party drug syndicate headed by now 21-year-old twins Flinn and Joel Westman.

On Wednesday, the court heard Walton was working under David Ognenovski, who worked closely with the Westmans.

It was Walton’s job to package and sell the drugs, with the court hearing he was captured on surveillance selling coke on 10 occasions, which amounted to 527 grams.

In court, Judge Haesler referred to a letter written by Walton in which he expressed “disappointment, and embarrassment” over his actions, and “shame” over the impact his dealing had on his family.

Flinn and Joel Westman were also arrested on Ausust 16, 2019 at their Coniston home. Picture: NSW Police

“He described his behavior as reckless and looking back said he knew it was inevitable he would be jailed (for his crimes),” Judge Haesler said.

“He purports to be a changed man.”

Walton’s defence lawyer argued his offending, however, was motivated by his own drug use, and that he didn’t overly benefit financially from the enterprise.

“It’s quite clear Mr Walton over time had developed a significant taste for the product he was supposed to market,” he said.

“He managed to chalk up a debt of $14,000 which clearly points to a serious problem.”

Thomas Walton has been jailed for at least two years and 10 months. Picture: Facebook

However, Crown prosecutor Ashley Bird said there was no evidence Walton had a drug problem, and asked Judge Haesler not to take that into consideration.

In handing down his sentence, Judge Haesler agreed Walton had made positive steps to rehabilitate himself in jail, and said a lengthy period in custody could be of detriment to that.

He also took note of the fact Walton is a heavy diesel mechanic and had a job waiting for him back in the industry upon release.

Walton was sentenced to four years and three months jail, with a non-parole period of two years and ten months jail, meaning with time served, he will be eligible for release in June 2022.

The Westman twins will return to court next week, where they will each be sentenced on two counts of supply prohibited drug greater than or equal to the commercial quantity and aggravated assault with intent to take or drive a motor vehicle in company.