A young North-West Coast woman who committed a string of crimes triggered by drug use and childhood trauma has been praised by a magistrate for changing her life for the better.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Devonport's Ashton Mary-Rose Lynd, 21, pleaded guilty to 25 charges at the Devonport Magistrates Court last week, ranging from driving offences, to assault, evading police and receiving stolen property.
Magistrate Leanne Topfer said the crimes had all occurred over a couple of periods between September 2020 and August 2021.
She noted many had occurred at a similar time to other, more serious crimes that Lynd had pleaded guilty to and been sentenced for in the Supreme Court.
She added that the comments made by Justice Tamara Jago in her Supreme Court sentence would "equally apply" in this situation.
"You've been clean of illicit substances for nearly a year," Ms Topfer said.
Hopefully, you enjoy motherhood and we don't see you again.
- Magistrate Leanne Topfer
"You are articulate and appear insightful. You're having a baby soon, and are looking forward to being a mother."
Ms Topfer said Lynd had met a "stable" partner who did not tolerate drugs, and had become a good, supportive influence.
She said Lynd had been the victim of a serious assault as a child, by a man who was then sent to jail.
The magistrate said that had left Lynd with panic attacks and trauma, as well as an addiction to illicit substances.
"Your new partner has assisted you in slowly coming to terms with that assault," she said.
"You're still a young woman, you've been able to put this all behind you. Hopefully, you enjoy motherhood and we don't see you again."
Ms Topfer fined Lynd $1670, imposed a two-month prison sentence, wholly suspended for 12 months, and disqualified her from obtaining a driving licence for two years.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner