Michael Allan Woolacott’s self rehab saves him from return to jail

The 27-year-old had turned his life around so impressively in the past two years that the judge couldn’t see the point of returning him to jail.

The 27-year-old former drug dealer was praised by the judge for his efforts of self rehabilitation which showed he had turned his life around.

Self rehabilitation and the dedication to turn his life around has saved a 27-year-old former drug user and trafficker from being returned to jail.

Michael Allan Woolacott trafficked meth and occasionally cannabis almost daily over a four-month period in the Dalby area between May 8, 2019, and August 31, 2019, Toowoomba Supreme Court heard.

He had a customer base of about 48 to whom he supplied the drug at what was considered “street level”, Crown prosecutor Nigel Rees told the court.

The activities eventually came to light through analysis of his phone, the court heard.

Woolacott had been sentenced in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 15, 2019, to 14 months in jail after pleading guilty to unrelated matters including possessing a shortened firearm which brought significant penalties.

Justice David Boddice noted that had Woolacott been sentenced for the drug trafficking at that time he most likely would have received extra jail time.

Supreme Court Justice David Boddice praised the 27-year-old’s efforts at self rehabilitation, telling him he was “truly a success story”.

However, Justice Boddice referred to the “glowing report” Woolacott’s parole officer had provided and recognised the “genuine steps to turn your life around from the person you were before”.

Defence barrister Scott Lynch told the court his client was well regarded in his community of Miles where he was working and in a relationship with a very supportive partner.

However, Woolacott was not shying away from his responsibilities and wanted the court to deal with his matters knowing the consequences he was facing.

“He said this morning that he needs this dealt with and to move on,” Mr Lynch submitted.

Mr Lynch said his client had endured a very difficult upbringing with a mother who was a heroine addict and he had grown up detesting drugs.

However, he fell into drug use later in life but over the past two years he had done so well and was “kicking goals”, Mr Lynch said.

His client’s father died just two days before this sentence but his client still wanted these matters dealt with so he could move on, he said.

“You are truly a success story,” Justice Boddice told Woolacott who he sentenced to three years in jail but ordered he be released immediately on parole.