Deon Vermey awaits fate after pleading guilty to trafficking fantasy

A father has been told by a judge a suspended sentence is “a step too far” after police uncovered fantasy and cash during a traffic stop while he was on parole.

A father has begged for no jail after police uncovered fantasy and cash during a traffic stop while on parole for drug trafficking.

Deon John Paul Vermey, 27, has told the court he is now in a new prosocial relationship and turning away from a life of crime.

Vermey and Renee Winnis Betterman-Paltridge, 31, who were previously listed as in a relationship on Facebook, were stopped by police on November 11, 2022 at Northfield.

Police found 245g of fantasy in the front passenger footwell of the car and over $2000 in a bumbag Vermey was wearing.
“When they stopped the vehicle they observed this accused trying to secrete the item between the seat and the front passenger door,” a prosecutor said earlier.

Deon Vermey pleaded guilty to drug trafficking. Photo: Facebook

“When they searched his residence they found more quantities of the same drugs, they found deal bags, scales and a syringe.”

During sentencing submissions in the District Court, a prosecutor pushed for immediate jail for Vermey, saying he had breached his parole as he had previously been convicted of another count of drug trafficking.

The prosecutor told the court text messages suggested Vermey was making a profit from selling drugs above and beyond his own costs.

Vermey, of Lightsview, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.

Betterman-Paltridge, of Elizabeth Vale, also earlier pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and will face sentencing submissions later this month.

Renee Betterman-Paltridge and Deon Vermey were previously in a relationship. Photo: Facebook

Kate Budzynski, for Vermey, told the court that her client had been a long-term user of methamphetamine.

“Upon his release from custody in 2022 he made a decision to cease methamphetamine use and began using what he calls GHB,” she said.

Ms Budzynski said Vermey had now entered into a new prosocial relationship and had been working very hard at his rehabilitation and turning away from a criminal life.

She said Vermey should be classified as a low-level dealer “motivated little by profit”.

Ms Budzynski pushed for a suspended sentence for Vermey, saying he was the primary caregiver of his child and it would have a detrimental impact if he was jailed.

“That might just be a step too far with a suspended sentence bond, I think … being frank with you,” Judge Michael Durrant replied.
Vermey will be sentenced next week.

Originally published as Deon Vermey awaits fate after pleading guilty to trafficking fantasy