A 35-year-old carpet layer caught with more than $100,000 worth of cocaine has walked free from the Supreme Court of Tasmania after being handed a fully suspended prison sentence.
Shaun William Bennett pleaded guilty to trafficking 300.8 grams of cocaine, more than 12 times the trafficable quantity under Tasmanian law, but avoided immediate jail time in a ruling delivered this week.
Justice Kate Cuthbertson said Tasmania Police intercepted Bennett last July during a broader investigation into another individual, identified in court only as “Mr A”.
Police had been using phone tap warrants to monitor communications between Mr A and others linked to the drug network when they identified Bennett.
Officers later executed a search warrant at Bennett’s home, uncovering a significant stash of cocaine hidden in a green Woolworths shopping bag tucked behind the laundry door.
The total amount seized had an estimated street value of $105,000 if broken down and sold by the gram for $350.
“As has been frequently pointed out by this court, the commercial trafficking of controlled substances is extremely serious,” Justice Cuthbertson said in her published comments.
“Drugs, such as cocaine, cause harm in the community.”
Justice Cuthbertson cited several factors in suspending the 12-month prison sentence, including Bennett’s guilty plea, lack of prior convictions and “prospects of rehabilitation”.
According to court documents, Bennett started using cocaine around four years ago following the breakdown of his relationship with his former partner.
He claimed his involvement in the drug operation was to maintain his own supply rather than to profit, a claim the court accepted.
The court ordered drug paraphernalia police also seized from his home, including digital scales and packaging materials, some of which were found hidden in the roof, be forfeited.
Bennett’s 12-month sentence will be suspended for three years, with conditions including 75 hours of community service and a requirement that he must not leave the state without permission.
