Perth billionaire Laurence Escalante escapes conviction after bringing drugs into Melbourne on private jet
One of Australia’s richest men has escaped conviction after admitting to flying cocaine, ecstasy and LSD into Melbourne on his private jet after a three-day Las Vegas blowout.
Police & Courts
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One of Australia’s richest men, who was busted for drug possession moments after stepping off his luxury long-range jet, will be able to take to the skies with a clean criminal record.
Perth billionaire Laurence Escalante, 41, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where he escaped conviction for possessing “unlawfully imported” small quantities of cocaine, ecstasy and LSD.
The Herald Sun last week revealed the gaming and tech entrepreneur, estimated to be worth a whopping $3.4bn, had soared into Melbourne on his private plane to plead guilty to the charge.
On Thursday, the court heard how Escalante flew into Tullamarine on his jet – dubbed the “Ferrari of the Skies” – in May last year after a weekend bender in Las Vegas.
The father of four, who had travelled to the US for a work trip, told customs officers he had packed his own bags and was “fully aware” of their contents.
But he was soon escorted to a room for baggage examination, where officers discovered a zip lock bag containing 1g of cocaine and a blue ecstasy pill in a pair of jeans.
A small bottle holding 0.03mg of LSD was also found in his luggage.
“I did not dispose of (the drugs) appropriately. Yeah, it’s my mistake,” he told officers.
Escalante was sentenced by Magistrate Donna Bakos on Tuesday, with the high-flyer choosing to rest the jet and appear remotely via video link.
“The drugs were clearly remnants of a three-day party,” Ms Bakos told him.
“I accept, in these circumstances, that your offending is at the lowest end.”
Escalante, whose first job was flipping burgers at Hungry Jacks, is now Australia’s 28th richest person, according to The Australian.
He founded company Virtual Gaming Worlds in 2010 which specialises in the “creation of cutting-edge online social games”, including Chumba Casino, Global Poker and LuckyLand Slots.
Ms Bakos was handed nine character references written by Escalante’s loved ones who describe the father as a “hardworking” and “kind” family man.
“He is loved by many, is a respected businessman and has a good standing and reputation in the community,” one referee wrote.
Ms Bakos said the character references were “glowing accounts of an exemplary person who lives his life with purpose and commitment”.
“You are also a good global citizen in that you employ many people in Australia and overseas,” she said.
The court heard the offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding approximately $13,000.
But top silk David Hallowes, SC, who represented Escalante, had argued his client should be spared a conviction and handed a good behaviour bond.
Ms Bakos agreed, acknowledging the impact a conviction would have on Escalante’s jetsetting ways.
“Whilst it is not submitted that your company would not continue to operate if you were convicted on the charge, there may well be impact upon your ability to travel, especially to the United States,” she said.
“Your travel to the United States is an integral part in your role in the business.”
Ms Bakos told Escalante the $1000 bond would be operational for six months.
“You are to be of good behaviour for the next six months,” she said.
“If you breach the bond … the court can ask you to pay the $1000 and also re-sentence you upon this charge.
“The expectation is that you’ll comply with the conditions and that this will be your first and your last appearance before the courts.”
Escalante smiled as he thanked the magistrate.
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