qld'er copers gettin softer ?

[babybear]

http://www.thechronicle.com.au/localnews/s...condsubsection=

 

 

Drug user gets cool reception

 

05.01.2008

By Peter Hardwick

 

HAVING ice pipes at home prompted a cool reception from police for Toowoomba man Tommy Scott McLachlan.

 

A police search of the 22-year-old's Newtown residence at 7.30am, December 14, turned up a number of drug-related utensils including "ice pipes" and filters, Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard.

 

"Ice" is the street name for crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride, a powerful, highly addictive synthetic stimulant drug.

 

Police prosecutor Sergeant Greg Lewis told the court police initially found in McLachlan's bedroom about three grams of cannabis in a bowl, about 100 plastic clip-seal bags, each with a "smiley face" attached, four unused ice pipes in plastic wrap and nine used ice pipes.

 

 

 

Two uncapped syringes were also found, Sergeant Lewis said.

 

McLachlan admitted ownership of all items and said he had used the filters and pipes to smoke ice, the court heard.

 

He appeared in custody to plead guilty to possessing dangerous drugs, possessing drug utensils and failing to take reasonable care with a syringe.

 

His solicitor David Burns (David Burns Lawyers) said his client was in custody on a previous matter, his parole having been suspended.

 

His client's full-term release date was February 29 and McLachlan instructed that he would serve out the remainder of the term without seeking release on parole.

 

Mr Burns said while McLachlan had previous criminal history, he had in the past had an alcohol problem and had only relatively recently started using drugs.

 

With limited drug history, his client was eligible for court-ordered drug diversion, a program from which he could benefit, Mr Burns submitted.

 

While drug diversion courses are available in prison, Magistrate Damian Carroll said he would allow McLachlan to complete the program in Toowoomba after his release.

 

Without recording a conviction, Mr Carroll placed McLachlan on a 12-month good behaviour bond with $1000 recognisance to do the court-ordered drug division course