A CRIMINAL with a lengthy rap sheet is once again a free man.
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Jack McLean was arrested in Wodonga on August 22, only two or three months after being released from jail.
McLean had been a passenger and left the scene to dump 80 ecstasy tablets he had been holding.
But the incident was seen by workers in a nearby high-rise office block.
They took photographs of the incident and notified police of the drug drop.
Police recovered the hidden bag, which had 80 ecstasy pills weighing more than 38 grams.
While there were no other items associated with dealing – such as scales, phone messages or a large amount of cash – the weight of the drugs was enough for the Wodonga man to be charged with drug-dealing.
He entered a guilty plea in the Wodonga Magistrates Court on Wednesday after seeking a sentence indication.
Mr Watkins said he would consider another corrections order and release McLean given time already served, which he accepted.
His defence lawyer said McLean had been doing “extremely well” on a corrections order, which had been imposed for a string of serious offences.
Magistrate Ian Watkins told McLean that being caught with 80 ecstasy tablets was “a fairly significant speed hump you’ve hit”.
He had been in custody since his arrest and spent more than 90 days on remand.
“I’m of the view you’ve served enough time in custody,” the magistrate said.
“It’s time you woke up and grew up.”
The corrections order will run for a year.
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