Drug user hopes to become a better dad

A MAN was only charged over 20g of ice that was found during raids at a Townsville property after he signed a statutory declaration saying that it belonged to him.

Alexander David Smith, 28, was yesterday sentenced in Townsville Supreme Court for possessing dangerous drugs and offences.

The court heard 20.37g of methamphetamine was found during raids back in 2018.

Smith was only charged over the offence in February this year.

The court heard that the defendant was not present during the raids and in “unusual circumstances” took ownership of the drugs after providing a statutory declaration to police.

A statutory declaration is a written statement that allows you to declare something to be true. Crown Prosecutor Monique Sheppard conceded without that, it’s likely no charges would have been laid.

The court heard Smith was a father of a young girl, and upon release he hoped to become a better dad.

The court also heard he had a history of drug use and started using methamphetamine at just 16 years old.

Judge David Boddice noted Smith’s admission and co-operation. He accepted the drug was for a commercial purpose.

Mr Boddice said Smith had been sentenced to imprisonment in the District Court in February for offending at the same time as when the ice was found.

Smith was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment which will be served concurrently with his existing sentence.

He will be eligible for parole on November 15.