Jail time for dope trafficker

A HOBART man will spend two weeks in jail for drug trafficking after saying he would prioritise work over potential community service hours.

In the Supreme Court in Hobart before Chief Justice Alan Blow yesterday, Paul Joseph Newman, 41, was sentenced for trafficking a controlled substance, namely cannabis.

Police searched his home on March 7 and found 69 plants growing hydroponically in a shipping container as well as another 14 plants outdoors and more than 880 grams of buds in his garage.

Newman pleaded guilty and told the court he used the cannabis for pain management after he injured his shoulder while working on an oil rig and planned to barter or exchange some of the drugs with friends.

Chief Justice Blow said the quantity of the drugs and Newman’s prior record of offences meant a wholly suspended sentence would be too lenient and a substantial fine would be inappropriate because Newman had significant debts.

The court heard Newman would give preference to work over any potential community service hours imposed.

“This is a case in which an offender made it clear that he is not willing to undertake community service, except when it suits him,” Chief Justice Blow said.

Newman was sentenced to 39 weeks in prison, with 37 weeks suspended on the condition he be of good behaviour for two years.