The investigation into a Wangaratta ice ring in 2014 was hard on families of about 50 people arrested who faced lengthy court proceedings.

Ray Robinson, 61, took his opportunity at Wangaratta Courthouse on October 15, 2014 to have what solicitor Zarah Garde-Wilson called a “discussion” with the mother and sister of one of these accused.

The man was not only a co-offender, but an alleged victim himself who claimed Robinson’s son Jamie – known as the syndicate’s enforcer “General Jimbo” – broke into his home.

Ms Garde-Wilson said her client told the two women they could avoid coming back to court if the victim withdrew his statement.

The aggravated burglary charge was later withdrawn.

But Robinson pleaded guilty in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to harassing the witness.

One of the women told police she was “stunned”.

“I was taken aback that Ray, a man I don’t know, was so forward and he was so persistent,” she said.

Prosecutor Aaron Shwartz said Robinson’s actions made the women feel intimidated and compromised at a time when police were working to keep a lid on drug crime in Wangaratta.

“There’s been an attempt to modify the prosecution,” he said.

“It’s still an integral part of the system that a person not be approached.”

Brothers Matthew and Jamie Robinson were both sentenced to jail last week for trafficking ice.

Jamie had already served his 18-month sentence on remand so he was free to attend court, along with other family, to support his father.

Ms Garde-Wilson said Robinson was a director at Johansen Insurance Brokers when police raided his Wangaratta workplace and home in October 2015.

“They were not very happy at all and he was asked to leave (the job),” she said.

“This has made a major impact on my client.”

Magistrate John O’Callahan said he accepted Robinson had no criminal history and charges affected his economic and social wellbeing.

“I can only imagine what would be said around the town by ill-informed people and that is certainly the fact with your work colleagues,” he said.

Robinson received a 12-month good-behaviour bond without conviction including a $1000 donation to the court.