Butcher’s cocaine stuff up
A LOCAL butcher shop owner who was caught red handed with 6.8gm of cocaine in his pocket claimed he was using drugs for pain relief.
Procut Meats owner David Adonay Hernandez, 35, pleaded guilty in Townsville Magistrates Court to two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, possessing a schedule one drug, and possessing utensils or pipes for use.
About 9am on December 18, 2021, police pulled Hernandez’s Toyota Hilux over for a licence check.
The court heard that during the check, Hernandez’s appearance “raised suspicion” of the officers, who then searched his car.
Inside a pocket of his pants, officers found cocaine, which the court heard weighed a gross total of 6.8gm.
They also found 1gm marijuana, and 1.5gm methylamphetamine, and a glass pipe.
Police prosecutor Sergeant John Moran said Hernandez had told police the drugs were for personal use.
Barrister Claire Grant told the court that Hernandez had been fully cooperative with police, and had been using the drugs to self-medicate for pain and mental health issues.
“He possessed those items in circumstances where at that particular time in his life, he was going through a difficult period, suffering from chronic pain and depression,” Ms Grant said.
“Since then, he has made considerable improvements to his choices and his life.”
The court heard that since the incident, Hernandez had been prescribed antidepressants, and had sought help from a sports injury specialist who treated him for chronic
pain in the left knee and ankle.
Ms Grant said her client was well-involved in the community, which included donating sausages and money to various organisations, and coaching his daughter’s rugby league team.
Tendering a certificate from February this year showing no presence of drugs in Hernandez’s system, she asked that Magistrate Viviana Keegan not record a conviction.
Ms Grant told the court that a conviction would prevent Hernandez from coaching his daughter’s team, as it would affect his ability to hold a Blue Card.
“These offences can be described as an aberration from his otherwise good character for such a lengthy period,” Ms Grant said.
Ms Keegan fined Hernandez $1500. No conviction was recorded.