South Australian man Mark Anthony Spakianos was sentenced to jail for his involvement as a “sub-dealer” in a methamphetamine syndicate after a judge criticised him for bringing his teenage daughter to court hearings.
The 50-year-old’s criminal activities were uncovered earlier this month during a police investigation into another drug dealer. This dealer was operating a network that relied on several “sub-dealers” to distribute methamphetamine.
During a broader inquiry into drug distribution, Adelaide authorities reportedly seized $155,000 in cash, 40 grams of methamphetamine, two vehicles and three motorcycles.
Spakianos has now been sentenced to four years and eight months with a non-parole period of three years, six months and 25 days.
“I accept that since your offending you have made substantial efforts to overcome your drug addiction, and that your efforts have been effective and substantial… [However] the trade in methamphetamine contributes to immense social harm,” Judge Emily Telfer said.
“The sentence I impose must reflect the seriousness of your conduct and deter you and others from participation in that trade in the future.
“I have reached the conclusion that your offending is simply too serious to permit you to serve it on home detention.
“Your sentence, therefore, is a head sentence of four years and eight months with a non-parole period of three years, six months and 25 days. That sentence will be backdated to begin on 29 April 2024, which means you will be eligible for release on parole on 22 November 2027 and your head sentence will expire on 28 December 2028.”
Spakianos pleaded guilty to five counts of drug trafficking.
Source: The Advertiser.