Operation Ironside: Timothy Shane Barkla given home detention for hiding drugs behind microwave

After his gambling and drinking led to money problems, Timothy Barkla agreed to store drugs in his kitchen for someone else. Then Operation Ironside detectives came knocking.

A meat worker whose gambling, drinking and financial woes landed him in the crosshairs of Australia’s biggest organised crime sting has narrowly avoided a prison cell.

On Friday, the District Court refused to suspend Timothy Shane Barkla’s sentence for trafficking in $57,000 worth of cocaine found, by Operation Ironside detectives, behind his microwave.

However, Judge Heath Barklay said Barkla’s unique personal circumstances warranted the imposition of a home detention sentence.

“You played a key role in a relatively sophisticated drug dealing operation, supplying your home and shed for the cutting and pressing of cocaine for sale,” he said.

“Your involvement was purely for financial gain, but you were suffering from alcohol and gambling addictions and struggling financially.

“That made you vulnerable to (an alleged syndicate member’s) suggestion that he pay you to use your home as a safe house.

“While you may have gained financially, you were not living an indulgent lifestyle … the large profits did not go to you … your role was a subservient one.”

Barkla, 46, of Williamstown, pleaded guilty to one count of having trafficked in a controlled drug at his home on June 7, 2021.

Previously, prosecutors told the court that police found “two ounces exactly of cocaine” behind the microwave in his home, as well as a hydraulic press.

They alleged Barkla’s offending was linked to allegations laid against his nephew, Joshua Mark Richter, 29, of Craigmore.

Both men were arrested as part of Operation Ironside.

In sentencing on Friday, Judge Barklay said Barkla had no criminal record when he began communicating with an alleged syndicate member, who he knew through legitimate connections, via the encrypted AN0M app.

He said that led to Barkla storing drugs and drug-making equipment, and making occasional deliveries when asked, over a four-month period.

“One message on your phone read ‘Put it behind the microwave, it will be all right there, there’s only two or three ounces there, I will leave another $2k out for you somewhere’,” he said.

Judge Barklay said Barkla’s personal references and work history showed him to be a “selfless” individual who strived to help family and friends, which often increased his financial burden.

He said that, since his arrest, Barkla had given up both gambling and drinking and was determined to “turn his life around”.

“This offending is out of character for you and something you deeply regret … it is at odds with who you are,” he said.

He sentenced Barkla to four years and two months’ jail, with a 26-month non-parole period, to be served on home detention.

Originally published as Operation Ironside: Timothy Shane Barkla given home detention for hiding drugs behind microwave