Virtual Gaming World founder Laurence Escalante escapes conviction after drug possession guilty plea
One of Australia’s brightest business success stories has escaped serious penalties after pleading guilty to possessing small amounts of cocaine, MDMA and LSD.
Australian billionaire Laurence Escalante has escaped serious punishment after pleading guilty to possessing small amounts of cocaine, LSD and MDMA.
Instead, Mr Escalante was issued with a six month good behaviour bond at the Melbourne Magistrates’ court on Tuesday, after Australian customs officers caught him with the drugs as he flew into Melbourne on his private jet from Las Vegas last year.
The court heard the rich lister, who is worth $3.4bn according to The Australian’s latest Richest 250, flew into Tullamarine airport on his Bombardier Global 7500 jet after spending three days partying in Las Vegas.
While he declared having no prohibited goods, officers located a small blue bill, revealed to be ecstasy, in a pair of jeans and a small ziplock bag with the cocaine. As well, some bottles were found with LSD.
Magistrate Donna Bakos told the court she agreed this was at the lowest end of offending and commended him based on nine character references as a “hard working” and philanthropic” man.
“(You) live a 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) circumstance of the offence itself is a serious (offence but) it is very low level.”
Mr Escalante attended the hearing remotely from Perth, where he is based.
Judge Bakos reviewed Mr Escalante’s background, saying his parents migrated from the Philippines in the 1970s with their four children, of which the now billionaire is the eldest.
Although he married his childhood “sweetheart” and has four children with her, they have now separated but live close together and have a good relationship.
The 41-year-old worked at the Reject Shop and as a burger-flipper at Hungry Jack’s before establishing his hugely successful online gaming and sweepstakes business, Virtual Gaming World, which is valued at more than $3bn.
Judge Bakos referred to his business and philanthropic pursuits in her reasons, also acknowledging his lack of prior convictions and early guilty plead.
“You have always had an interest in gaming and technology,” she said.
“VGW has a workforce of over 1400 people across Australia, Canada, the US and the Philippines.”
Mr Escalante must “be of good behaviour” for the next six months, otherwise he will be forced to pay a $1000 bond.
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