Drug supply soldier ‘a clean skin’
A FORMER Townsville soldier has been fined $500 after being suspended from the Australian Defence Force for his involvement in a drug scandal.
Scott Francis Amos pleaded guilty in Townsville District Court yesterday to one count of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of possessing anything used in the commission of crime.
The court heard that on May 9, 2018, the 32-year-old was at the RAAF Base Townsville when police attended for a drug investigation.
Amos voluntarily gave police access to his mobile phone which showed text messages where he tried to obtain MDMA for a friend but was unable to do so.
Amos belonged to the 5th Aviation Regiment, an army helicopter unit which was subjected to targeted drug tests in early to mid-june 2018 as a result of information uncovered by Townsville police in May.
The Department of Defence confirmed previously to the Bulletin that six army personnel were facing administrative action at the time.
The court heard Amos has been in the ADF for 13 years, where he held a “senior” role as a life support fitter, which requires a high degree of “intelligence and ability”.
Judge John Coker described Amos as a “clean skin” with no prior criminal history.
“You were the most co-operative defendant that I had ever come across . . . you have co-operated with the administration of justice as your very early plea is concerned,” Judge Coker said.
“For what it is worth, I intend to include in my reasons a request that the ADF consider the unique circumstances of the offending.”
Judge Coker said Amos had already suffered for his “foolish behaviour”.
“I have no obvious authority or power to direct or to even make a suggestion, other than one that I hope is listened to by the ADF,” Judge Coker said.
“In my view, the offending is of such a low-level character that it is not in anyway reflective of the man that you are or the qualities that you bring to the ADF . . . I wish you well.”
Amos was visibly relieved when he heard the verdict and members of the unit sat in the gallery in support of him.
No conviction was recorded.