Meth turned hard working young man into repeat offender: Court

The 83 days spent in pre-sentence custody had given the 22-year-old the opportunity to get clean of drugs and prepare for his return to the community.

The 22-year-old’s life had spiralled out of control after taking to meth use.

IN WHAT has become a familiar tale told to Toowoomba’s Magistrates Court, a hard working young man’s life had spiralled out of control and into crime once he became hooked on drugs.

Jake Raymond Baillie had a good work record since leaving school in Millmerran after Year 10, his solicitor Craig Van Der Hoven, of Creevey Russell Lawyers, told the court.

However, early in 2019 on the death of his father, his client had started using meth and his relationship with his mother and partner deteriorated.

He had then been made redundant due to COVID-19.

“That is no excuse but the past 18 months have been tumultuousmulturous and he fell into drug use,” Mr Van Der Hoven said.

Baillie, 22, appeared by video link from the prison to plead guilty to 25 offences including seven counts of using his then employer’s work ute fuel card to fill up his own vehicle on seven occasions, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, wilful damage of a boom gate, unlawful possession of a taser, possessing ammunition and breaching court orders.

Prosecutor Sergeant Natalie Bugden submitted Baillie’s most serious offence was possessing 3.8g of meth.

Mr Van Der Hoven said the meth was for his client’s own use and the prosecution did not allege commerciality.

His client was still young and the 83 days he had spent in custody had been a “real wake up call for him” and he had used the time in custody to get clean of drugs and prepare for his return to the community.

Acting Magistrate Roger Stark took into account the 83 days spent in custody and sentenced Baillie to nine months in jail but ordered he be released immediately on parole.