Drug trafficking dad ‘on thin ice'

AN IPSWICH man has avoided going to prison for trafficking dangerous drugs but was warned he was on "thin ice" if he offended again.

Russell Mark Willcocks, 31, took over a friend's cannabis-selling business and started operating it from his home at Goodna.

Ipswich District Court was told Willcocks would buy an ounce of cannabis at a time and would sell about five ounces a week, making between $500 and $650 profit.

When police raided his home on April 14 last year Willcocks was sitting in his lounge room with friends.

The court was told he was co-operative and pointed out various drug-related items. Officers found 6.5g of cannabis, $1740 cash, a diary with names and phone numbers of clients, a mobile phone, a large number of clip-seal bags and scales.

Willcocks admitted to mostly selling $25 worth - or 1.5g - at a time to customers.

Defence barrister Scott Neaves said Willcocks was suffering from depression at the time, after his mother passed away and his father was diagnosed with cancer.

Mr Neaves said Willcocks had turned his life around in recent times and was now a supervisor with a roof-tiling company.

He said Willcocks was the sole income earner for his partner and her children.

Judge Gregory Koppenol said while there needed to be a deterrent penalty for drug traffickers, sending Willcocks to prison would have an enormous impact on his partner and children.

"If I were to send you to jail today I accept it would have a very negative impact on your family," Judge Koppenol said.

"It is important for the courts to recognise the level of co-operation you gave police.

"But you are on thin ice. This is your third time before the courts on drugs charges.

"Your family depends on you."

Willcocks pleaded guilty to trafficking dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing things and possessing property obtained from trafficking.

He was sentenced to two years prison and released on immediate parole.