Former milk baron Ken Lacey pleads guilty to false passport application

A FORMER milk baron, who was previously found guilty for supplying $18,000 worth of cocaine, had pleaded guilty to giving an incorrect address for a passport application in court today.

FORMER milk baron Ken Lacey had pleaded guilty to giving an incorrect address for a passport application.

Lacey, who was this month released from prison after he was found guilty for supplying $18,000 worth of cocaine, was sentenced in Southport District Court this morning for one count of making false or misleading statements in Australian travel document applications.

While under surveillance by the Crime and Corruption Commission, in January 2015, Lacey was recorded while applying for a passport renewal.

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Former milk magnate Ken Lacey arriving at Southport Court for his sentencing over cocaine matters. Picture Glenn Hampson

He was found to have placed his daughter’s address on the application, instead of his own.

Lacey had argued at the time it was because he was between addresses.

It was also revealed in court Lacey had hoped to hide the passport application from his ex-wife.

“He was living a lie with his ex wife and went to every effort to hide which address he was living,” Judge Katherine McGuinness said during proceedings.

FORMER COAST MILK BARON JAILED FOR SUPPLYING COCAINE

Ken Lacey arrives with wife Madeleine at the Southport Magistrates Court on the Gold Coast, Thursday, May 10, 2018. Arrested in 2015 as part of a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into a Queensland drug ring, Lacey pleaded guilty to five counts including supplying 12 grams of pure cocaine and possessing methamphetamine. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Judge McGuinness also took into account a number of factors, including the sentencing that occurred in May.

“If you had of been sentenced for this offence at the same time I am of the view nothing but a nominal punishment will be imposed on you,” she said.

“In sentencing to you today, I have regard that these are serious offences, against the Commonwealth that should be deterred.

“These departments rely on citizens to deliver correct information.

“This issue falls towards the lower end of the seriousness scale.”

Lacey was given a two year good behaviour bond of $1000.

Outside court Lacey appeared relaxed.

“It was an administrative error,” he told the Bulletin.

“It was a waste of time with the courts.”

When asked if he was glad to be out of jail Lacey smiled.

“It’s fantastic,” he said.