Addict Asks For Jail Term Leniency

Newcastle Herald

Friday May 18, 2007

GR

DESPITE having a 15-page criminal history, a long-term drug addict sought yesterday a shorter than normal non-parole period on a supply offence to help his rehabilitation.

Barrister John Booth made the request in Newcastle District Court on behalf of Brendon James Pannowitz, 37, but conceded that rehabilitation success was a 50/50 proposition.

Pannowitz, of Bridges Road, New Lambton, pleaded guilty to a deemed supply charge in that he had 12.24 grams of speed at Jesmond on October 3 last year.

He asked the judge to take into account on sentence one count each of having in his custody $870 suspected of being obtained unlawfully and a knife in a public place.

Judge Ralph Coolahan reserved his judgement until May 29 and further remanded Pannowitz in custody.

In evidence yesterday, Pannowitz described himself as a user dealer.

He began using amphetamines at 13. On his arrest, he was using one gram of speed a day.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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