Edward Holder breaks down at Chinchilla Magistrates Court while facing supply charges

A repeated drug offender who broke down in tears while in court said he had supplied dangerous drugs on more than 10 occasions to supply his own habit.

A man held his breath while being sentenced at a Western Downs court after being caught by police again for supplying dangerous drugs.

Edward Holder appeared at Chinchilla Magistrates Court on June 22 after a search warrant was executed at his Chinchilla property where police discovered a mobile phone with 15 various messages confirming the supply of drugs.

Police prosecutor Derek Brady said on September 23, 2022, while the 25-year-old was on parole for a drug trafficking charge, police busted the man supplying cannabis to different people.

Holder had previously been sentenced to three years’ jail with immediate parole after pleading guilty to one count of drug trafficking.

The court was told he was arrested following the fresh supply charges and was released on parole on January 30 2023, after spending three months in jail.

Defence lawyer Brad Skuse said his client had only supplied “small amounts” of the drugs to people.

“His instructions are that he was sourcing and funding his own habit,” Mr Skuse said.

“Since his release he’s taken up with a GP to obtain medicinal cannabis.”

Edward Holder was sentenced at Chinchilla Magistrates Court for 15 counts of supplying dangerous drugs. Picture: Facebook

Magistrate Kyna Morice said she was “astonished” at the man’s careless actions after being on parole.

“With such a fragile nature of your liberty, you chose to supply drugs to fund your own habit,” she said.

Holder replied, “I messed up your honour”.

Ms Morice also acknowledged the man’s taken steps to obtain medicinal cannabis for mental health concerns.

“You are teetering on the edge today,” she said.

“I could’ve given you actual prison, but I’ll give you one last opportunity.”

Holder let out a heavy sigh of relief.

The man pleaded guilty to 15 counts of supplying dangerous drugs.

He was sentenced to six months’ jail, wholly suspended for an operational period of 18 months.

“Even when your parole finishes you will still have this hanging over your head,” Ms Morice said.

Originally published as Edward Holder breaks down at Chinchilla Magistrates Court while facing supply charges