Party over for drug dealer

A MAN was caught dealing drugs at last year’s Meredith Music Festival when a health scare broke out, but was ultimately not blamed for the illnesses suffered by his customers.

Police yesterday withdrew a charge of reckless conduct en- dangering serious injury against Kew man Deniz Kuiucak, but he pleaded guilty to counts of trafficking MDMA, cocaine and possessing the proceeds of crime.

Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard the defendant and a coaccused man drew the attention of police at the festival after an outbreak of patrons suffering nausea and vomiting.

But the court heard there was no hard proof the drugs the pair sold were responsible.

When police spoke to the men at the festival’s Top Camp site they denied selling drugs, but substances were soon found on them and in their tent. Kuiucak also had $1745 stuffed in a sock.

Magistrate Peter Mellas was told the university student and logistics worker spent three nights in custody postarrest.

His lawyer, Sarah Pratt, admitted her submission was “unusual” in the circumstances, but asked Mr Mellas to fine her client without conviction, citing his strong family support, solid references and co-operation with police.

She also noted he was a U ca dam manhol first-time offender, who had now completed a court-ordered program.

Police prosecutor SeniorConstable Kerrie Moroney urged Mr Mellas to consider the community’s desire that drug dealers be penalised and condemned.

“The Meredith Music Festival is full of young people, and obviously the accused went there with a purpose,” SenConstable Moroney said.

Mr Mellas agreed the scheme took “thought and planning”, and said it did not seem to be driven by an addiction.

He said the short stint in jail should have been a “wake-up call” for the offender, and added a conviction and $3000 fine to his penalties.