Mercy shown to drug dealer

A Supreme Court judge has shown mercy to a talented young man and drug dealer.

Justice Sally Thomas jailed him for two years but with only three months to serve.

“He is an intelligent, hardworking, young man,” she said.

“He has contributed to the community on behalf of young people.

“He has talents and potential that will ensure him employment in the future.”

Nicholas Wiles, 18, pleaded guilty to three drugs charges after being caught dealing ecstasy outside a hotel at Alice Springs in late January.

A drug squad officer found him with ecstasy, cannabis and more than $1000 from dealing.

Wiles kept records of drug sales and amounts owed. He told police he had arranged for the drugs to be brought into Alice Springs from interstate.

Wiles said he used the drug money to have “really good night” with friends and buy alcohol at bars.

Many character references were given in court, including one from his boss and one from his boss and one from Peter Vaughn, principal of Alice Springs High School.

The court heard Wiles had won awards in multimedia studies and photography, and had done voluntary work. “He has sympathetic and supportive family who are standing by him in this difficult time,” Justice Thomas said.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Wed, 08 June 2005
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
Contact: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://ntnews.news.com.au/
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