Benjamin Patrick Mahon, 39, of Bradbury, NSW pleaded guilty in Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday to possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing equipment for administering prohibited drugs, custody of a knife in a public place, failing to appear in accordance with bail conditions, driving with an illicit drug in his system and having stolen goods.

Police facts stated that at 12.50pm on September 24, 2016 officers pulled over Mahon on McDermott Drive for a random breath test.

An oral fluid test produced a positive result to cannabis and methamphetamine. 

Police searched the vehicle and found a glass “crack pipe” on the driver’s seat as well as another three crack pipes in plastic bags and several unused syringes. They also located a ‘cut throat’ knife, a kitchen knife and a sling-shot in the centre console.

They also found a wallet containing numerous credit cards and identification in various names. Police alleged these cards were stolen.

In the boot, police located a further knife, as well as a bag containing power tools, several of which were new and still in the box.

They also located six mobile phones in the car that police alleged were unlawfully in Mahon’s possession. An imitation handgun was also found. 

In court, his solicitor said his client had a drug problem. 

“He is a drug user and the facts speak for themselves,” the solicitor said.

“But he is not charged with supply, only (a previous) possession. He makes no bones about having knives to protect himself, a toy pistol and pipes in his car, but he tells me he is drug free.” 

Magistrate Geraldine Beattie agreed he had a drug problem.

“I accept that last year you had a significant drug problem and you did a MERIT program and that kept you out of custody,” Ms Beattie said.

“But you committed these offences while also being on a bond for firearms offences and this is the starting point for the seriousness of these offences.

“I need to send a message to the community that these offences are not tolerated. You have crossed the threshold for imprisonment.” 

She gave Mahon a nine-month suspended sentence, fined him $600 and disqualified him from driving for three months.

A man who assaulted another male in a group home has been placed on a good behaviour bond.

Shane Baxter, 43, of Goulburn pleaded guilty to common assault when he appeared in Goulburn Local Court on July 19.

Police facts stated that at 9pm on April 30, Baxter and the victim were eating dinner at the house when an argument broke out between them. Baxter grabbed the victim by the legs and pulled him off the lounge onto the floor and began to twist his leg and ankle. 

A worker threatened Baxter that she would call the police. Baxter maintained hold of the victim until he saw her pick up the phone. He let go and walked away. The victim told another worker that he wanted to call the police.

At 9.45pm the police arrived and spoke to the victim and then arrested Baxter. 

In court, Geraldine Beattie said it was some time since Baxter had been before the court.  

“In 2011 I sent you to jail and again in 2013, but there is nothing else on your record since,” Ms Beattie said. 

“Clearly you need long-term ongoing support, but this time you hurt him and when you were told not to – you kept going. I have spoken to you lots of times before about how you need to keep your cool.

“You have stayed out of trouble with the court for four years and you need to keep it that way.”

She placed Baxter on a 12 month section-nine bond. 

A man has been fined and disqualified from driving with drugs in his system. 

Joel Anthony Humphries, 22, of Goulburn pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle with an illicit drug in his system, when he appeared in Goulburn Local Court on July 19. 

Police facts said at 2.15am on March 13, Humphries was driving a Ford Falcon along Clinton St, Goulburn when he was stopped by police for a random breath and drug test. 

An oral fluid test proved positive to methamphetamines and cannabis. They arrested and charged him.

Humphries’ represented himself in court.

He told the court he was driving back to Goulburn from Queanbeyan when he was pulled over. 

“I thought it would be out of my system,” he told the court.

“I had the drugs on the Saturday night and this was Monday. I don’t use them anymore.” 

Magistrate Geraldine Beattie said Humphries had a prior conviction for the same offence. 

“You have done the Traffic Offenders Program before so why did you think it would be out of your system?” Ms Beattie said.

“This is your third offence in two years. I am concerned that you have still not learned your lesson.”

She fined him $900 and disqualified him from driving for 10 months.