A LONG-TIME Warrnambool drug dealer who was so desperate to make money he substituted rock salt for ice has been jailed for six months.
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Jessie James, 22, of Raglan Parade, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court to 12 charges including trafficking substantial amounts of crystal methamphetamine over a three-year period.
Magistrate John Lesser said James had clearly been involved in serious offending over a significant period.
He said that James’ offending had at times involved significant amounts of drugs, although some of that was to fund his own use.
James was jailed for six months, fined $150 and after being released from prison will have to complete and 24-month community corrections order with assessment, treatment and program conditions.
He will also have to return to court on July 24 next year for judicial monitoring.
James, who appeared in court in disposable overalls, screamed out in frustration after being jailed and said there were more drugs in prison than out.
Defence counsel Belinda Northey said her client, who had served prison sentences in the past, had attempted to take own life a number of times and caused significant damage to himself, which led to him spending time in a wheelchair.
Early last Saturday police went to a Crawley Street home after receiving information James was staying there with his girlfriend. He was wanted for failing to appear in court.
Police found James hiding behind a small shrub. He appeared substance affected and cannabis was located nearby.
In late October James was arrested on a warrant for trafficking ice and police found a tomahawk, cannabis and ice in his possession.
Officers had executed a search warrant at his Raglan Parade home mid this year and uncovered a baseball bat with a knife attached, a white substance, a number of mobile phones and deal bags.
He made full admissions to trafficking, possessing and use of ice and his mobile phone contained evidence of drug trafficking.
James told police he bought seven grams of ice each month for $2500. He would use half and sell the rest to pay for his drug use.
He said he had previously dealt ice in much greater quantities and made a lot more profit, but was now dealing to support his own habit.