Lane Michael Callaghan fronts Toowoomba Magistrates Court after stolen gun, drugs found in raid

A court has been told a Toowoomba man was a ‘poster boy for search warrants’ due to his extensive criminal history, and recent spate of offending relating to a large drug stash and stolen rifle.

Lane Michael Callaghan leaving the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Friday, November 3, after pleading guilty to a number of crimes.

Police uncovered cocaine, a stolen rifle, and a large amount of cannabis when they raided a young Toowoomba drug dealer’s home.

Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told 24-year-old Lane Michael Callaghan had a lengthy criminal history and poor compliance with past probation orders.

At the time of the fresh offending, the former tradesman had five months remaining on a two-year probation order.

Police prosecutor Anita Page said officers located more than 400g of cannabis, which included 23 small bags that were pre-packaged with the drug for sale.

Mr Callaghan leaving the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Friday, November 3, after pleading guilty to a number of crimes.

Solicitor Claire Graham said her Roma born client began using methamphetamine at the age of 12 and suffered from a number of mental health issues, which he obtained a medical cannabis prescription for.

She said Callaghan’s rehabilitation had been on track, however after his best friend died in tragic circumstances, he spiralled back into drug use.

Acting magistrate Sue Ganasan told Callaghan he could not ignore that he was a “poster boy” for police looking to carry out search warrants given his history, drug dealing, and possession of a stolen gun.

“All of it is a recipe for you to walk back into jail,” he said.

Ms Ganasan told Callaghan he needed to work hard if he wanted to stay out of the criminal system and concentrate on finding a job.

Ms Ganasan imposed a multifaceted sentence after Callahan pleaded guilty to 10 crimes on Friday morning, November 3, which included receiving tainted propert, supplying drugs, drug possession, and breaching his bail and probation orders.

Callaghan was placed on a seven month probation order, a two month jail term which was suspended for seven months, and a four month jail term with immediate parole.