Shooting victim who lost his leg fined over weapons and drugs charges

THE wealthy victim of a Gold Coast shooting which resulted in the loss of his leg has pleaded guilty to weapons and drug charges.

Luke Tomlinson, 42, fronted the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday two months after he was shot in the leg and dumped on the side of a road at Helensvale.

As a result of the shooting, Tomlinson’s leg was amputated below the knee.

Tomlinson pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a weapon and possessing dangerous drugs after his Paradise Pt home was raided in May.

The court heard police found a white crystal substance in a clip-sealed bag and an air rifle in the home.

Tomlinson told police the weapon was passed down to him from his grandfather.

Defence lawyer Jason Jacobson, of Jacobson Mahony Lawyers, said the drugs found were for personal use. “My client was involved in a robbery during which he was shot to his leg, which was later amputated below the knee,” he said.

Mr Jacobson submitted Tomlinson was able to pay a fine, despite being unemployed because he was the beneficiary of a family trust.

Magistrate Mark Howden fined Tomlinson $400 for both charges.