Lauren May Mathieson pleads guilty to multiple drug and driving charges

A Yarraman-based business owner and mother-of-four who has a 13-year drug history was once again convicted, with more serious drug possession and supply charges pending.

Lauren May Mathieson

A South Burnett small business owner and mother-of-four pleaded guilty to multiple drug and driving charges while on a suspended sentence for similar offending and has drug supply charges pending for a later court date.

Lauren May Mathieson appeared in the Murgon Magistrates Court on Monday to plead guilty to two charges of possessing drug utensils, possessing a dangerous drug, contravening direction by a police officer, driving while a drug was present in blood or saliva, possessing anything used in the commission of a crime and two counts of driving without a licence, with the offences occurring across Nanango, Yarraman and Kilcoy.

The court also heard the 42-year-old has 12 additional charges of supplying dangerous drugs and one charge of possessing a dangerous drug that will be dealt with in the District Court at a later date.

Police prosecutor Lisa Manns said Mathieson was already on a suspended sentence during some of her recent offending.

“She also has three previous drug drivings all from 2023 which puts her in a very precarious position,” Sergeant Manns said.

“She’s continued to reoffend while on that suspended sentence.”

Lauren May Mathieson

The court was told Mathieson has four children, including two special needs children and runs a cleaning business.

The Yarraman-based business is called Lolly’s Professional Cleaning Services and offers domestic and commercial cleans.

Mathieson’s lawyer Jim Coburn said she was grappling with a longstanding addiction to methamphetamine for an extensive period.

“My client acknowledges that she is a drug addict and obviously the road to full rehabilitation is filled with potholes, and so far she has relapsed on a number of occasions, especially throughout 2023,” Mr Coburn said.

He said during last year Mathieson lost four close friends and family members, some under “tragic circumstances”.

The court heard Mathieson also struggles with anxiety, depression and has been actively pursuing treatment and adhering to a mental health plan.

Lauren May Mathieson

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair said Mathieson has been committing drug offences “for the last 13 years”.

“You’ve been on probation or parole on and off for substantial periods of that time,” Mr Sinclair said.

“The court has told you not to drive, these are serious offences.”

Mr Sinclair sentenced Mathieson to seven months in prison to be released immediately on parole and was disqualified from driving for two years and six months.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Lauren May Mathieson pleads guilty to multiple drug and driving charges