Soccer coach David Spink sentenced for cocaine possession
A local soccer coach was sternly reminded by a magistrate he was a “role model” to young children after the Sydney man was caught red-handed buying coke by police.
St George Shire Standard
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A Sydney magistrate has lashed a local soccer coach after police caught him red-handed buying cocaine on a night out in Sydney’s south.
David Spink, 24, had never been on the wrong side of the law before police saw him emerge from Cronulla RSL and get into a grey station wagon which had been doing laps of Gerrale St in Cronulla on December 7.
Police facts state the car did one lap of the car park opposite the RSL before Spink got out and the car drove off.
“Suspecting a drug transaction had occurred during the short time that the accused was inside the vehicle, police approached the accused,” the agreed facts stated.
“The accused was asked if he had purchased prohibited drugs, which he immediately confirmed and he removed a clear resealable bag of white powder from his right trouser pocket.”
Spink pleaded guilty to possessing 0.72g of cocaine at Sutherland Local Court and Magistrate Peter Bugden sentenced him to a 12-month conditional release order without conviction.
Mr Bugden chastised the local soccer coach, who looks after teams of young footballers in the Sutherland Shire.
“How are you going to face those kids,” Mr Bugden asked.
“You are a role model to them - some of them may not like you but I’m sure those little kids think you’re an absolutely wonderful person in the community.”
Spink, who lives in Caringbah, expressed his regret over the drugs to the court and to the police officers who charged him.
“The accused was completely co-operative with police and appeared immediately remorseful,” police facts stated.
Mr Bugden said Spink’s stated aspiration of joining the local Rural Fire Service brigade had assisted him greatly in sentencing.
“I hope you make it into the fire brigade,” Mr Bugden told Spink.
“That has helped you today.”