A magistrate declared he was giving a woman convicted on drug charges, including trying to smuggle drugs into the South Coast Correctional Centre, “her future” by suspending her jail terms in Batemans Bay Local Court.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jacinta Aldridge, 28, of Crown Street, Batemans Bay, appeared on five counts of supplying a prohibited drug in a small quantity, to which she pleaded guilty.
She had been arrested as part of the Strike Force Idlewild drug raids on the South Coast in May, and was convicted for smuggling drugs into South Coast Correctional Centre at South Nowra.
Ms Aldridge was given an 18-month prison sentence, two 12-month sentences and a one month sentence, all to be served concurrently and all suspended, by Magistrate Doug Dick.
“You have been given your future; it is in your hands,” Magistrate Dick said.
“It is your choice, inside or outside.
“Drug supply is something not to be trivialised; it is a very serious offence.”
The court heard Ms Aldridge was progressing well with an online TAFE communications course, and defence counsel John Edmunds said she was determined to change her life.
“I’ve got my head right on my shoulders,” she said.
Magistrate Dick said many of Ms Aldridge’s offences were caused by pressure and influence from former partner and co-accused Bradley Snapper Carriage, who is currently serving jail time as a result of Strike Force Idlewild.
“You deserve better than him,” he said.
Magistrate Dick told Ms Aldridge she must not take non-prescription drugs, and that she must continue to take medication and undergo counselling.
