Community work for P, cannabis offences
Employed status counts in defendant’s favour
Aman was sentenced to six months’ community detention and 180 hours’ community work in Whanganui District Court on Wednesday.
Timothy Hooper, 33, was found guilty by a jury on charges of offering to supply methamphetamine, offering to supply cannabis, possessing cannabis and possessing a pipe.
Judge Philip Crayton described Hooper’s offending as “low level” and said the jury’s verdict was not surprising given the content within text messages used as evidence in the trial.
“I say low level because what your convictions reflect quite simply are three points of methamphetamine and three cannabis tinnies,” Judge Crayton said.
“When the police searched your home, they found a small amount of cannabis and a methamphetamine pipe.”
Hooper had been on bail for two years and, during that time, made the positive step of distancing himself from associates who had led him astray. He was also addressing his own drug and alcohol issues.
“What is also identified and supported by references is that you work well and you work hard,” Judge Crayton said.
“You have stable employment and it is often observed that a protective element is employment. It is something that keeps people out of trouble.”
In sentencing Hooper to community detention and community work, the Judge also ordered destruction of the methamphetamine pipe.
“Mr Hooper, I hope that this is the only time that we see you before the court.”
" . . . you work well and you work hard."
— Judge Philip Crayton