Ice addict told to ‘get a job’

A MAGISTRATE told a Gold Coast drug addict that being without a job is “wrong” and to “get working” in order to get his life back.

Scott Bradley Lange was also told he “must be sadistic” if he was continuing to use the drug ice to alleviate pain.

Lange pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday to possessing dangerous drugs, not disposing of syringes and possessing utensils related to drugs.

The court was told police were doing patrols at a Nerang skate park about 9am on Boxing Day when they saw Lange in his silver Jeep Cherokee.

A search found 0.5g of ice hidden under the sun visor, five used syringes on his passenger seat and a cannabis grinder.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Jim Pedlow said Lange told police he “forgot” the drugs were there.

Lange, who represented himself, told the court he had turned to drugs after a separation in 2017.

Magistrate Pam Dowse told him: “Oh, just get over it. What is wrong with you? Look what you’ve done with your life.”

Lange told the court that after his separation and fighting false allegations in court he felt like his life was over.

Magistrate Dowse said: “That’s ridiculous. You are never going to get your life back if you are hooked on drugs.”

Lange replied: “It’s not something I like doing, it’s not something I feel I’m hooked on. It’s just something I do to kill pain.”

Magistrate Dowse reminded Lange drugs were unlawful.

“It’s hideously bad for you,” she said. “You won’t get anything out of it except pain. You must be sadistic.”

Magistrate Dowse then asked Lange if he was working, to which he replied no.

“Well, that’s wrong,” she said.

“Get working. That’s the best therapy. Look, we have to be here on a public holiday. Just get into it.”

Magistrate Dowse fined Lange $500. No conviction was recorded.