A MAN caught with methylamphetamine while visiting Bathurst jail has received a conditional discharge after appearing in Bathurst Local Court charged with possession of a prohibited drug.
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Michael Ridgeway, 24, of The Road, Penrith, appeared before magistrate Michael Allen this week.
Police facts tendered to the court told how on June 1 this year Ridgeway attended Bathurst Correctional Centre where he was asked by a staff member if he was in possession of any drugs, as is the usual protocol for anyone visiting the centre.
He replied: “No”.
However, a man who was with Ridgeway was allegedly found to be in possession of a prohibited drug by Corrective Services staff.
As a result, Ridgeway and his companion were searched by Corrective Services officers, as was their vehicle, a silver Ford sedan, which was parked on Browning Street.
During the search police alleged they found a small plastic bag containing green vegetable matter in the front passenger door. Ridgeway’s companion allegedly told Corrective Services officers he owned the drugs and they were for his personal use.
The search continued and Corrective Services officers found a blue pencil case in the front glove compartment of the car which contained a clear, re-sealable plastic bag with a crystal substance inside along with a glass pipe, scales and other small re-sealable plastic bags.
The crystal substance weighed 2.1 grams. When asked who owned it, Ridgeway told Corrective Services officers it belonged to him.
Police were called and they spoke to Ridgeway about the drugs. He told them it was ice and made full admissions.
He also wrote a letter of apology to the court, saying he was getting his life back on track and was seeking full-time employment.
Mr Allen dealt with the matter by way of a Section 10 conditional discharge, placing Ridgeway on a good behaviour bond for a period of 12 months.
