A MAN caught running a commercial drug distribution business from his West Bathurst home has told Bathurst District Court he only made a minimal profit from his drug dealing activities.
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Aidan John Hartnett, 24, formerly of Pacific Way, pleaded guilty to supplying a prohibited drug, larger or equal to a commercial quantity, in Bathurst Local Court last month.
He appeared before Judge Turnbull in the Bathurst District Court on Friday where sentencing submissions were heard.
Hartnett told the court that at the time of his offending he was addicted to the drug ice, using close to one ounce (28 grams) a day.
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However, a pre-sentence report handed to the court told a different story; that Hartnett only used the drug on weekends for recreational purposes.
On Friday in court, Hartnett clarified his position by saying he started out using the drug on weekends and "it evolved from there".
He said he "eventually supplied the drug because there was enough demand and it needed to be met".
While he admitted he sold the drug for financial gain, he said "his take" on the sale of ice "was minimal".
"I wasn't making much, I was making about $300 an ounce," he said, telling the court he was buying ice for $5200 an ounce and then on-selling it for $5500.
He said the price he paid per ounce depended on the quantity he purchased on the day, saying "if I got more at a time, it was cheaper".
Hartnett said since his arrest and incarceration, his attitude towards his offending behaviour had changed.
I've seen the things people have done because of drugs. I've seen a cousin stab his own cousin because he wouldn't give him ice.
- Aidan John Hartnett
"I've seen the things people have done because of drugs," Hartnett said.
"I've seen a cousin stab his own cousin because he wouldn't give him ice."
During cross-examination, Crown Barrister Peter Lowe put it to Hartnett that his evidence the court about his addiction and financial gain was "false and wrong".
The Crown questioned Hartnett's ability to use between 60-70 grams of ice over a 12-week period yet "go cold turkey, without any consequences" once he was jailed.
A psychologist's report said Hartnett suffered from a major depressive disorder but when questioned about his own mental health he said "he wasn't too bad".
Hartnett conceded, though, that he had suffered from depression and anxiety.
Hartnett will be sentenced on November 1.
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