Penrith MDMA dealers could be freed as early as next week
Two men in their 20s could walk free from jail next week after selling more than 45 grams of MDMA to undercover police officers.
Penrith
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Two men who sold undercover police officers more than 45 grams of MDMA could walk out of jail just in time for Christmas.
Joshua Sainsbury, 23, and Andrew Sammut, 26, were arraigned on four charges of supplying a prohibited drug in Penrith District Court, and pleaded guilty to all charges.
Both men received a 20-month prison sentence with a non-parole period of 11 months.
However, since the men have been in custody since January 23, they’ll both be eligible for parole as early as December 22.
They will also serve 16-month community corrections order, not be allowed to drink alcohol for two months upon their release, and must do 50 hours of community service.
The two men faced Judge Mark Buscombe on Monday afternoon supported by family and friends.
Sammut’s mother told the court her son had indicated remorse every time she’d visit.
“He’s apologised for the humiliation he has put the family through, and the risk he put others at,” she said.
“He’ll have intensive counselling if he’s released, and some of my friends in church will introduce him to new people. He’ll be starting afresh.”
Sainsbury’s mother told the court her son’s time in prison had helped rehabilitate him.
“He’s lost so much, and he’s admitted he was wrong, he has a problem, and he wants to get help,” she said.
“He’s gone to the priests and found God in jail.
“He’d like to become a personal trainer to help other people overcome their problems and addictions.”
The prosecutor told the court both men had motives that suggested they knew exactly what they were doing.
“Sammut has tried to minimise his role in the crimes, but the agreed facts don’t support that,” she said.
“He told police his motive was that he enjoyed social engagement and the lifestyle, and he was fully aware of his actions.
“Sainsbury told police he wanted money to pay off an existing drug debt – he knew exactly what he was getting into.”
Judge Buscombe said the two men used a maroon Holden Cruze to conduct deals near Penrith train station, and used a Kennard’s self-storage unit to store drug paraphernalia.
He described the crimes as an example of “low-level street dealings for financial gain”.
He said both men had no prior criminal records, and had strong prospects of rehabilitation.
However, he also said general deterrence needed to be taken into account with sentencing.