A CHILTERN man described as “a bottom-tier user-supplier” of drugs has been fined more than $3000 and been put on bonds for two years.
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Luke Matthew Peake, 34, appeared for sentencing in Albury Local Court yesterday on seven charges, including two counts of drug supply, possessing a prohibited drug and equipment to administer drugs.
Solicitor Paul Robb said Peake supplied small amounts of methamphetamine on two occasions and was caught during a police investigation into Jesse James Clarke.
Clarke has been charged with 59 offences, including 47 counts of drug supply, and remains in custody on remand after his arrest in August last year at Culcairn.
Officers from the Albury drug squad formed Strike Force Yasmar last June to investigate Clarke’s alleged drug supplying.
Legally intercepted phone calls revealed Peake offering to supply Clarke with 0.5 gram of methamphetamine on June 26.
There was another discussion between them on July 23 when Peake said he had supplied two “points” (0.2 grams) to someone.
When police executed a search warrant at Peake’s residence in Tenbrink Street, Glenroy, they found a crack pipe and crossbow.
A police statement of facts said Peake received low financial gain, which was used to provide additional income for his own illicit drug use.
Mr Robb said the crossbow was bought in Melbourne about 10 years prior.
He said Peake works as a mechanic and has expressed his remorse for being involved in the matters, which have caused embarrassment for his family.
Magistrate Tony Murray said Peake was frank in the report prepared by the Probation and Parole Service.
“He concedes he is still using amphetamines,” Mr Murray said.
He said the appropriate penalty would have been community service, but Peake was deemed unsuitable due to living in Victoria.
He was put on two-year bonds and fined $700 for each of the drug supply matters, with a condition to accept counselling for drug and alcohol abuse.
Mr Murray said Peake could expect random drug tests during the term of the bonds.
Peake was fined a total of $1800 on five other charges.