Jason Jones jailed for drug supply across Hunter after dealing while on parole

It was an all too familiar pattern for drug dealer Jason Jones, who was caught out on parole yet again selling meth to clients across the Hunter. Read the details.

Jason Jones sentenced to jail in Newcastle District Court on Friday. Supplied Amy Ziniak

Just out on parole and back to his old ways, drug dealer Jason Jones was again selling ‘ice’ as a “street level supplier”.

It was an all too familiar story for the 34-year-old who about a year earlier had been caught in the same circumstances – just out on parole and supplying drugs.

In March last year, police commenced an investigation into drug supply activities in the Lake Macquarie area when Jones came to their attention.

A court heard he had been purchasing meth from an “upline supplier” and then went on to supply to fund his own drug habit, with the 34-year-old caught out via telephone surveillance.

From March 29 to April 5, it was found supplied small quantities of methamphetamine on 10 occasions at a total of 39 grams across areas including Thornton, Maitland and Salamander Bay.

Jones supplied meth to clients across the Hunter between March and April 2023. iStock pic.

The court heard Jones also became involved in a drug deal gone bad when one of his clients threatened him with a tyre iron because he thought he was being ripped off.

After a call for help, friends turned up in aid of Jones and confronted the client who ended up fleeing from his vehicle.

When police arrived the front and rear windscreen on his vehicle was smashed.

Police arrested Jones at a unit in Salamander Bay on April 16. Officers searched him and discovered 7.5 grams of meth and more than $2000 in cash.

The 34-year-old was later charged and pleaded guilty to the ongoing supplying of drugs, drug supply, dealing with the proceeds of crime and intentionally damaging property.

In Newcastle District Court on Friday he said he regretted using and selling drugs and it had put his “life in a spiral”.

When asked what was different this time around he stated he didn’t want to lose a relationship he had and was sick of it, telling the court he was excited to “get out and be different”.

His defence barrister told the court it was “unsophisticated street level supplying” and his client was vulnerable because of his ongoing addiction but was now demonstrating some real resolve in tackling his long time issues.

The Crown Prosecutor warned the court to be guarded due to his history and possible reoffending.

Judge Peter McGrath sentenced Jones to two years and six months jail with a non-parole period of 20 months.

With time served he could be released in March next year.