Dealing drugs was “obviously a better option” for one man than getting a job or seeking government benefits, a judge said while handing down a sentence.
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David Jnr Geoffrey Furley, 21, appeared in the Launceston Supreme Court on Monday and was sentenced by Justice Shan Tennent, who appeared via video link from Hobart.
The court heard the man was found with more than 1600 MDMA capsules at his home when Tasmania Police searched it on February 8.
Furley would take up to 10 pills out with him at a time when he would go to night clubs and had turned to dealing after a period of 12 months of being unable to find employment.
“It was obviously a better option for you to continue to deal drugs than get a job or go on benefits,” Justice Tennent said.
Furley received eight months jail time backdated to July with the remainder suspended and 450 hours of community service.
During the search of his home, police found MDMA capsules, ziplock bags containing MDMA traces, cash, scales and weighing equipment.
Potential buyers would contact him via Snapchat, social media and occasionally by phone.
Furley pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking a controlled substance and one count of dealing with proceeds of crime.
He was ordered to relinquish all paraphernalia found in the house and $4050 in cash, seized during the search in February.
Furley has since stopped dealing and has started to see a counsellor.