JOHN Edward Ikin was referred to as a puppet, mule and danger to the community during an apperance at Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He watched on helplessly via a web cam link-up from Goulburn Jail as a solicitor, police prosecutor and magistrate discussed his immediate future.
Ikin has remained in custody since he was arrested and charged for possession and supply of illegal drugs during special police operation Strikeforce Coull last month.
Goulburn Jail will remain his home for at least the next 17 months.
Ikin was sentenced to a minimum of 18 months’ prison for his involvement in the supply of methylamphetamine, commonly known as ice.
While working as a supplier, Ikin himself became highly addicted to the drug – using as much as half-agram per week.
He was among 19 people arrested and charged in the space of 24 hours during a police crackdown that nabbed an ounce-and-a-half of ice, two kilograms of cannabis and an unlicensed firearm.
Ikin’s sentencing follows that of Goulburn woman Wendy Hayhoe, last week ordered to 18 months’ imprisonment in the aftermath of Strikeforce Coull.
On Wednesday, Ikin’s solicitor Joe McNamara pleaded for Magistrate Geraldine Beattie to show lenience.
“The scheme was arranged by someone higher up the food chain,” he said.
“All of the people caught up in the operation are desperate people. I would ask that you take that into account. He was a puppet in the supply chain.
“To some extent, he is a victim; to some extent, he is a danger to the community.”
Police prosecutor, Sergeant Chris Toole, dismissed those pleas.
“He may well be a puppet in the chain, but the chain breaks if he’s not there,” Sgt Toole said.
“As unfortunate as it may be, the mule gets charged too and these charges carry jail sentences.”
Magistrate Beattie deliberated for a number of minutes before handing down her sentence.
Ikin was handed an 18 month prison sentence for seven of the eight charges. He was sentenced to an additional 18-month term for the charge of knowingly taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug.
The sentences will serve concurrently and as such, he will be eligible for release on April 21, 2016.
“I accept the submission that it’s a highly addictive drug and has a devastating affect on the community, we see that before this court all the time,” Magistrate Beattie said prior to sentencing.
“You admitted to taking up to half-a-gram a week. You made a guilty plea at the earliest possible moment, and that has worked in your favour.
“I will reduce your sentence by 25 per cent.”
Magistrate Beattie ordered that drugs – some 3.95 grams of ice unearthed during Ikin’s arrest – be destroyed.
Hayhoe and Ikin aside, the remainder of those charged through Strikeforce Coull remain in the court system.
Jesse Staples, Patrick James Little, Selby John Joseph Miller and Daniel William Deacon – all arrested and charged as part of the special operation – appeared before Magistrate Beattie on Wednesday.
Staples, who faces 16 charges of knowingly supplying prohibited drugs, had his matter adjourned until December 5. Little will next appear on January 14, as will Deacon for sentencing.
Miller’s matter was adjourned until next Wednesday to allow the accused time to seek legal advice.
