Daniel Chester: Lower North Shore sales associate sentenced on drug charge

Police heard a “loud snorting noise” in the cubicle of a popular beachside bar in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and found a sales associate to a real estate agent inside, a court has heard.

A sales associate to a successful real estate agent in Sydney’s lower north shore was busted in the cubicle of a popular Bondi Bar snorting cocaine, a court has heard.

Daniel Ryan Chester faced Waverley Local Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to drug possession.

Reading from agreed facts, Magistrate Ross Hudson said police were sweeping the men’s bathroom of Beach Road Hotel on the night of August 6 when they heard a loud snorting noise from inside a cubicle that Chester was in.

“And it is what you think,” Magistrate Hudson said. “They said ‘What’s going on?’ and led the accused to a secluded location where he made full and frank admissions to buying (the cocaine) for personal use”.

Referring to the 0.4g of cocaine Chester was found with, Magistrate Hudson said: “It’s such an attractive drug when you find yourself in a cubicle snorting it up your nose”.

Daniel Ryan Chester (left) leaves Waverley Court with a supporter.

He noted the 28-year-old had one previous matter on his criminal record — a 2015 drink driving conviction for which he was fined and had his licence briefly suspended.

Referring to a psychologist report, he said Chester’s mental health began deteriorating during Covid with a relationship breakdown and a serious bike accident in which he severely broke his shoulder and could not exercise for eight weeks.

“His outlet was taken away and he turned to other manners (of dealing with his struggles) including substance use of cocaine,” he said, adding Chester had come to terms with having depression and ADHD.

“He’s come to realise the ridiculousness of his behaviour,” Magistrate Hudson said.

Chester’s LinkedIn account reads he has been a sales associate to real estate agent Adrian Bridges at Atlas by LJ Hooker — who specialises in premium properties on the Lower North Shore — since December 2020.

Chester was not convicted of drug possession and was instead sentenced to a 12-month conditional release order.