Russell John Littleton sentenced in Dalby District Court for supplying dangerous drugs

A former Dalby farm worker who was referred to in court as a ‘hard working man’ has found himself before court on supplying drugs charges. See what he had to say.

Russell John Littleton.

A Western Downs father who surprised the court by his “lack of criminal history” and great “working history”, has fronted court for supplying dangerous drugs.

Russell John Littleton appeared in Dalby District Court on December 8 after committing the string of drug offences.

Crown prosecutor Farook Anoozer said on December 16 in 2020 police officers executed a search warrant on the 51-year-old’s Kaimkillenbun home and when they searched through his mobile found he had offered and sold drugs to two people, three separate times.

The court was told the type of drugs were unknown, and were small in quantity.

At the time of the offending, Littleton had not committed any other crimes however, Mr Anoozer said on June 5 this year while he was on bail for the current charges, he was found in possession of a small amount of meth and marijuana as well as drug-related utensils and sentenced to 12 months’ probation.

Russell John Littleton leaving the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

In court, Mr Anoozer said he believed one of the drug supply charges was “commercially motivated” as there was a discussion between Littleton and the buyer about a payment method, however, Judge Michael Williamson KC did not accept that argument, as Littleton made no financial profit from the drug supply.

Defence barrister Wesley Seewald represented Littleton and submitted character references on his behalf, outlining the man’s previous work history on a Dalby farm.

While handing down his sentence Judge Williamson acknowledged the man’s history and highlighted why the man may have begun committing the offences.

“Your turning point seems to be the end of a long-term marriage and loss of parents, which is some explanation,” he said.

“I encourage you to get back into work as soon as you can.”

Littleton has previously pleaded guilty to three counts of supplying dangerous drugs when he was arraigned in Dalby District Court on July 17.

He was sentenced to 12 months’ jail, wholly suspended for two years.

“The operational period of two years, should motivate you to stay on the straight and narrow,” Judge Williamson said.

“Please don’t prove me wrong.

“You don’t want to be coming back here, and there’s no reason you should given your work history and lack of criminal history.”

Originally published as Russell John Littleton sentenced in Dalby District Court for supplying dangerous drugs