Selena Jane Yates busted selling cannabis from property of Toowoomba motor inn after police raided property

A police raid on the quarters of a Toowoomba motor inn manager found a stash of drugs, a taser and drug items, but a forensic analysis of the 49-year-old woman’s phone uncovered far more serious offences.

A raid of the manager’s quarters of a Toowoomba motor inn uncovered cannabis, drug items and an illegal weapon, but a search of the woman’s phone found that she was supplying drugs from the property

Police executed a search warrant on Raceview Motor Inn on June 2, 2022, where Selena Jane Yates worked and resided, Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told on October 12.

The motel manager was found in possession of a small quantity of cannabis and other drug items including scales and clipseal bags.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Chris Willson said the search also uncovered a taser, and the 49-year-old’s phone was seized.

Selena Jane Yates, 49, pleaded guilty to 14 offences, including 10 counts of supplying a dangerous drug, when she faced Toowoomba Magistrates Court on October 12, 2022.

A forensic analysis of the phone revealed that in a span of 12 months the mother of five had supplied cannabis to six different people multiple times from July 24, 2019 to as recently as May 26, with the motor inn used on at least one occasion as the location of the drug supply.

In court on Wednesday Yates pleaded guilty to 14 offences including ten counts of supplying a dangerous drug, possessing a dangerous drug and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Yates’ solicitor Shane Hough said his client had a strong work history but had succumbed to drug addiction.

Mr Hough said his client’s addiction was supported by a litany of drug offences over the years, and that the “street level” dealing was to support her drug habit.

“It was not motivated by greed or any financial gain,” Mr Hough said.

The court was told the only reason Yates had the taser in her possession was because she had found it in one of the rooms after the guest had left, and she had it for her own personal protection.

Magistrate Louise Shephard jailed Yates for 12 months, with an immediate release on parole to serve in the community. She was also fined $500, which was referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry.