Court: Suspended sentence for Manjimup methamphetamine duo

Two people accused of possessing methamphetamine and cannabis with the intent to sell or supply have been issued suspended prison sentences and given fines.

On Thursday at Manjimup Magistrates Court, Jade Renae Edwards, 44, pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of a prohibited drug, two charges of possession of a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply and one charge of possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property.

Magistrate Michelle Harries noted Ms Edwards’ previous history and reputation with the community, noting that the good she had done for the community had been undone with her actions.

Daniel Kevin Loaring, 29, appeared besides Ms Edwards, having pleaded guilty to two charges to possession of prohibited drugs, two charges of possession of a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, one charge of cultivation of a prohibited plant, two charges of possession of drug paraphernalia in or on which there was a prohibited drug or plant, two charges of possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property, and possession of a prohibited plant.

Before sentencing the two, Magistrate Harries noted the significant damage done in the community by their actions, with the clear evidence of the two being involved in dealing of drugs for financial benefit including phone messages, Clipseal bags and scales being found during a search, and the crimes they committed was not “victimless”.

Ms Edwards was sentenced to a 12-month suspended sentence along with a supervision and community-based program order and having to pay a $500 fine and $137 in court costs, while Mr Loaring was also sentenced to a 12-month suspended sentence along with a supervision and community-based program order and having to pay a fine of $2000 and court costs of $264.30.

The decision to sentence both offenders to a suspended sentence and a community-based order, rather than immediate prison sentence, was based on different factors, including their “significant” co-operation with police, them both pleading guilty at the first opportunity, their limited criminal history and their suitability for community supervision, as noted by Magistrate Harries.

The drugs were seized by police and were ordered to be destroyed, while Mr Loaring’s weapon was ordered to be forfeited.