A Rankins Springs man was escorted out of the court room giving only a quick wave to his friend as he was jailed.
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James Oliver Greensill, 50, was convicted on Wednesday in Griffith Local Court for participating in a criminal group, seven counts of supplying the drug 'ice' and cannabis possession.
Facts tendered to court explained Greensill had gone to Howlong to 'take care' of drug operations for his co-accused from June 11 to August 15 last year.
Phone records show Greensill organised the selling of 'ice' while caring for the children of the alleged 'drug ring duo' Crystal Lamont and Armin Fejzic, who were at Melbourne hospital looking after a sick child.
Arguing for exceptional circumstances to avoid full time jail for his client, Piers Blomfield submitted there was no profit in it for Greensill.
"He was not part of the ongoing drug supply... there was no benefit for him except free drugs," Mr Blomfield explained.
He was not part of the ongoing drug supply... there was no benefit for him except free drugs.
- Piers Blomfield
Greensill had a history of drug use, but had abstained from 2007 to 2017, making it clear there was a possibility for rehabilitation, he argued.
Yet Mr Blomfield conceded there had been a "crescendo" of offending since then.
"You would be aware, Mr Blomfield, of what the authorities say," Magistrate Joy Boulos said.
She outlined the only option for supply charges was full time custody, unless exceptional circumstances were proven - of which she said they hadn't been.
"He was profiting against a background of like offending. It is not appropriate for an intensive corrections order whatsoever."
"He was not a full player," Mr Blomfield continued to argue.
Prosecutor Sergeant Jason Dunn said the nature of his position was reflected in the charges, as Greensill was not also facing any for ongoing supply, unlike his co-accused.
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Ms Boulos clearly stated she did not think anything presented to her was grounds for serving his sentence in the community.
She indicated a prison term for each charge, and gave Greensill an overall aggregate sentence of 20 months imprisonment. He will be eligible for release on parole in April 2021.
Lamont and Fejzic will be before Albury Local Court early this year facing 82 charges, many carrying maximum jail terms.
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