Clarence Hyacinth Joseph, 41, in Beenleigh Court for possession of dangerous drugs

A Logan hairdresser has blamed Covid for his descent into drug addiction and crime which ruined his career, a court has heard.

Clarence Hyacinth Joseph, faced Beenleigh Magistrates Court for drug possession.Picture: Facebook.

A Logan hairdresser has blamed Covid for his descent into drug addiction and crime which ruined his career, a court has heard.

Beenleigh Magistrates Court heard that Clarence Hyacinth Joseph was training for a senior position as a hairdresser but his workplace was closed down during the pandemic.

He began using drugs and was sentenced in 2021 for stealing from Browns Plains and Robina Salon Express shops.

Mr Joseph received a 12-month probation order and no convictions were recorded at the time.

When the 41-year-old Logan man faced the Beenleigh courthouse again on May 9, he pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of dangerous drugs.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of anything used in the commission of a crime and possession of drug utensils.

Mr Joseph was found with cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine and the steroid testosterone on August 2 last year in Hillcrest, heard the court.

He was also found with scales and a phone used in connection with a drug.

Defence lawyer Samuel Hwang said Mr Joseph lost his job during Covid, which caused his drug use and downward spiral.

“That was a part of his life he deeply regrets,” he said.

“These charges reflect poorly on him but he has now changed his life around.”

The court heard Mr Joseph applied for the Defence Force and was accepted.

He had a child on the way with his partner.

In a letter of remorse tendered to the court, he said he was embarrassed and ashamed of his actions.

“I’m truly sorry for the pain and embarrassment I have caused, I’ve lost the trust of my partner and look terrible in her eyes,” he said.

Magistrate Michael O’Driscoll fined him $1800 and did not record a conviction.

He warned Joseph if he was to return to the courts again he would receive a conviction.

Originally published as Clarence Hyacinth Joseph, 41, in Beenleigh Court for possession of dangerous drugs