Ex-addict’s aim: ‘get back to the old Zac’

A FORMER morphine addict who pleaded guilty to stripping copper piping, electrical wiring and other nautical assets from two boats moored in Prince of Wales Bay must complete a drug treatment order or face 21 months in prison.

The Supreme Court in Hobart heard Zachary Nathaniel Galpin was 22 when he was living on a tugboat in Goodwood in 2014.

Over several months from July of that year, Galpin illegally boarded and forced entry to a nearby converted prawn trawler called Outlander 3, cutting off padlocks and replacing them with his own.

After stripping wiring and cables and selling them as scrap to South Pole Metal, Galpin returned to the vessel to steal a TV, washing machine, tool kit, tins of marine paint, rods and reels, and two swivel seats.

Galpin, now 25, also stole the Outlander 3’s dinghy, placing it on a trailer and driving to an address in Glenorchy.

From a second vessel named Sweet Christine, Galpin stole copper piping and taps from the galley, the metal interior of a hot-water system, and a winch and chain.

The significant damage to both boats rendered them unseaworthy.

The boats were moored in a marina operated by Galpin’s father, the court heard.

Defence counsel Fabiano Cangelosi had requested Justice Michael Brett order a report for Galpin’s suitability for a drug treatment order, saying his client had been funding a $100-a-day morphine habit at the time of offending.

Galpin addressed the court yesterday, stating he took full responsibility for his actions and while in custody had been able to fully detox and “get back to the old Zac.”

Justice Brett addressed Galpin directly following the handing down of the sentence.

“It’s not going to be easy — it’s not intended to be,” he said.

“It’s your responsibility to ensure compliance.”

Galpin must complete a drug treatment order and failure to do so could see the custodial part of his sentencing, 21 months imprisonment, activated.