Second chance for druggie

A YOUNG woman has been given a second chance and avoided jail time after pleading guilty to supplying dangerous drugs.

Danae Nicole Donaldson, 20, pleaded guilty to three counts of supplying dangerous drugs, possessing a dangerous drug and drug utensils, and possessing property used in the commission of a crime when she faced Townsville District Court last week.

Police raided Donaldson’s property on August 2, 2017, where they seized drug- related items including a mobile phone, a small quantity of cannabis and drug utensils.

The court heard Donaldson supplied ice between July 17 and July 20, 2017. Defence barrister Scott Geeves said Donaldson was not someone he’d expect to find themselves in trouble with the law, noting she came from a good family.

He said Donaldson had made a brief mistake, noting the period of offending for the supply only lasted four days.

Mr Geeves said Donaldson had not committed any further offences since her arrest 14 months ago.

“The period of offending was only four days and the amounts were small,” Mr Geeves said. “She was not living the high life.”

District Court Chief Judge Kerry O’Brien said it was not uncommon for people with good families and pleasant childhoods to find themselves involved in drug crime. “You are a very foolish young lady,” he said.

“The offences which you have pleaded guilty to not infrequently result in periods of imprisonment.”

Chief Judge O’Brien said those involved in the drug trade caused great damage to communities. He took into account Donaldon’s young age during sentencing, noting the “law recognises that young people are often entitled to a second chance but you don’t always get a third”.

Donaldson agreed to being placed on a two- year probation order, during which she must not commit further offences and must comply with directions from authorised corrective service officers.