Magistrate hits out at ice addict in hearing

LUKE MORTIMER

AN ICE addict who was a talented horse trainer has copped an onslaught of criticism from a Gold Coast magistrate who also criticised Queensland Corrective Services.

Stephanie Boody, 23, faced Magistrate Pam Dowse in Southport Magistrates Court.

Boody pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possessing cannabis last month.

She breached a parole order linked to leading police on a dramatic car chase last July, which left two officers injured.

Defence solicitor Sam Jackson, of Bamberry Lawyers, told the court on Monday that Boody “lived a blameless life, a good life” before she started using ice (methamphetamines) and ended up homeless.

Mr Jackson said the Probation and Parole office of Queensland Corrective Services was supportive and decided not to proceed with breach action.

“Yeah, they’re a bit soft,” Ms Dowse said.

She asked Mr Jackson why Boody had missed a session with department officials.

Mr Jackson said Boody “chose to do something else” and had been “spending time with her dad instead”.

Soon after, Ms Dowse sighed loudly and expressed her disappointment.

She said she was “very annoyed” and appeared visibly displeased.

“(Boody) wants to go back (to jail) – she must,” Ms Dowse said. She said Boody “looks around at the back of the court, rolling eyes” and criticised her attitude.

Boody appeared to be on the verge of tears as the lecture continued and Mr Jackson attempted to forge on.

“I have a problem doing a suspended sentence for addicts,” Ms Dowse said in response to one submission.

She told Mr Jackson bluntly that Boody “will reoffend” and it was “just experience”. “A very wise judge told me that a very long time ago,” she said.

As the case came to an end, Ms Dowse seemed to soften in her criticism. Mr Jackson said Boody had enrolled in a course to break her addiction and was visiting a psychologist.

Boody was sentenced to one month jail, suspended entirely for 12 months.