Australian Ice Thread

[poledriver]

Ice-addicted father of two stole $20,000 worth of jewellery and computers in Christmas crime spree - because he says his 'face tattoos are stopping him finding work'

A heavily-tattooed ice addict who went on a $20,000, month-long, drug-fueled crime spree last year could be out of jail by Christmas after being found guilty of more than 30 offences.
Jamie Lang, 38 from Moore Park Beach in Bundaberg, on Queensland's central coast was sentenced this week in front of his two young children.
The man, who has a number of heavy face tattoos, including a compass on his forehead, has a lengthy criminal record dating back 21 years - to when he was 17.

The criminal's crime spree last year started on November 17 and spanned 300 kilometres from Bundaberg to the Sunshine Coast, according to the News Mail.
During his sentencing Judge Michael Shanahan noted Lang had told police 'the reason' for his offending was to 'fund drug use'.
Lang plead guilty to more than 30 offences which took place during his month-long crime spree.

This included nine burglary-related offences, five stealing offences and six break and enters.
He was also convicted of two counts of wilful damage as well as fraud and drug and motor vehicle offences.
Previously the man's lawyer claimed he was struggling for work in his family-owned painting business because 'of his face tattoos and was considering having them removed'.

The court also heard Lang sold his stolen goods to other drug users and almost $13,000 worth of property was yet to be accounted for.
Stolen goods included jewellery, computer equipment and cash.
Lang has been suspended from driving for six months and will be eligible for parole three days before Christmas.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-000-Christmas-crime-spree.html#ixzz4lGKlw3mb

 

[Jabberwocky]

Armed police bust massive NSW drug trafficking syndicate

ONE of Sydney’s biggest drug rings has been smashed by heavily armed police in raids across Sydney today targeting the Rebels bikie group and Asian crime gangs with officers seizing more than a tonne of ephedrine.
The drug is used to make methamphetamine or “ice” and it’s believed the haul is worth more than $500 million.

More than 25 properties, mainly in Sydney’s west, were swooped on this morning by heavily armed police. Properties in the ACT have also been targeted.

NSW police commissioner Mick Fuller will hold a press conference with acting ABF commissioner Michael Outram and Acting AFP commissioner Neil Gaughan later today.
He told Radio 2GB: “We’ve cut the head off the snake of an organised crime gang”.

The raids were a culmination of a year-long investigation stemming from an extortion attempt by the Rebels bikies.
The investigation then led to the uncovering of the massive drug ring.

Inquiries have revealed plans for a large-scale importation of border controlled drugs.
On Saturday, officers from the NSW Police Force, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force seized a shipping container at Port Botany.

One police source said: “We will be alleging these guys have been selling ice all over Sydney and the state.”
The consignment was examined by the Australian Border Force and specialist forensic officers from Australian Federal Police, and more than a tonne of ephedrine was seized.
Numerous arrests have been made.

http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw...e/news-story/d713a9cbf8831c5188cf8de7ce435db6

 

[poledriver]

Man sentenced to 10 years' jail over Melbourne service station stabbing

After 11 months of anguish, relatives of Aaron Burnett were just minutes from learning of his killer's fate.

But before hearing the sentence, they would have to relive their loved ones final moments.

Mr Burnett had died at the hands of Nuri Balla, a 31-year-old who was "in the business of selling methyl amphetamine" at the time.

But last July, Mr Burnett was dissatisfied customer. He wanted a refund, or replacement, for the ice Balla had sold him.

The pair arranged to meet at a petrol station in Kealba, in Melbourne's north-west, where the drug deal turned deadly.

Balla stabbed Mr Burnett multiple times.

As Judge Terence Forrest listed each and every stab wound, one side of the court room winced in despair.

There were uncontrollable tears, tissues providing little comfort.

Mr Burnett’s family didn't want to hear about his "catastrophic blood loss".

But they did want justice.

As the Judge ordered Balla to stand to receive his sentence, all eyes were on the accused.

He however, stood more or less expressionless in the dock.

Balla was sentenced to ten years prison for manslaughter, and two years’ imprisonment for criminal damage.

In all, a head sentence of ten years and six months was handed down.

The Judge noted the accused had pleaded guilty at an early stage, but his words were lost among the wailing, and fury brewing in the courtroom.

There was an immediate "that's b---s---t" fired in Balla’s direction.

Shrieks of "we've got no family" pierced through as well.

Outside court, while the victim's family mellowed, relatives of the accused fired up.

Their tempers flared as they hurled abuse at our crew.

Security had to tell the Burnett family to leave via a different door, where they spoke of the heartache they've been harbouring for almost a year.

http://www.9news.com.au/national/20...stabbing-of-melbourne-man#ECI2DZlGq1P22vr2.99

 

[poledriver]

Revealed: Victoria is Australia's ice capital with nearly 11,000 arrests for crimes linked to amphetamines

Victoria has been revealed as the amphetamine capital of Australia
State has experienced a near 400 per cent increase on ice-related drug busts
Police seized 4,900 kilograms of amphetamines during raids in last year

CONT: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-s-ice-amphetamine-capital.html#ixzz4lWwStOUh

 

[poledriver]

Meth crisis: WA the methamphetamine capital of Australia, secret testing proves

WA is the methamphetamine capital of Australia and nearly the world, shocking and secret testing of the nation’s raw sewage has revealed.

West Australians are the biggest “ice” users in the country, according to the unprecedented analysis that equates to an anonymous drug test of 14 million Australians.

CONT -

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wes...s/news-story/c587e135ed9b131651944dd2b0b6bd44

 

[consumer]

Ice-addicted father of two stole $20,000 worth of jewellery and computers in Christmas crime spree - because he says his 'face tattoos are stopping him finding work'

A heavily-tattooed ice addict who went on a $20,000, month-long, drug-fueled crime spree last year could be out of jail by Christmas after being found guilty of more than 30 offences.
Jamie Lang, 38 from Moore Park Beach in Bundaberg, on Queensland's central coast was sentenced this week in front of his two young children.
The man, who has a number of heavy face tattoos, including a compass on his forehead, has a lengthy criminal record dating back 21 years - to when he was 17.

The criminal's crime spree last year started on November 17 and spanned 300 kilometres from Bundaberg to the Sunshine Coast, according to the News Mail.
During his sentencing Judge Michael Shanahan noted Lang had told police 'the reason' for his offending was to 'fund drug use'.
Lang plead guilty to more than 30 offences which took place during his month-long crime spree.

This included nine burglary-related offences, five stealing offences and six break and enters.
He was also convicted of two counts of wilful damage as well as fraud and drug and motor vehicle offences.
Previously the man's lawyer claimed he was struggling for work in his family-owned painting business because 'of his face tattoos and was considering having them removed'.

The court also heard Lang sold his stolen goods to other drug users and almost $13,000 worth of property was yet to be accounted for.
Stolen goods included jewellery, computer equipment and cash.
Lang has been suspended from driving for six months and will be eligible for parole three days before Christmas.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-000-Christmas-crime-spree.html#ixzz4lGKlw3mb

Quality decision making with those tattoos lol

 

[pleasehelpjeff]

Am I a freak or just lucky. I've never once had a comedown from the handfuls of times I be used meth. I never use more than a point at a time meaning i sleep it off before i woupd think about having another point. And whats this stupid war on drug proganda about bad teeth and things crawling on your skin? Bullocks

 

[poledriver]

Former cop keeps licence after ice test

Matt Marshall

A FORMER Albury drug squad detective has been given another chance after being caught drug driving.

Matthew Louis Marshall, 46, had found out his compensation claim with the NSW Police insurer had been knocked back.

The former officer of 14 years had gone on sick leave in May 2011, suffering PTSD, and turned to ice and then drug-dealing after he left the force.

Albury Local Court on Tuesday heard he had relapsed into ice use earlier this year following the news from the police insurer.

Police had caught Marshall driving a Ford Territory on Logan Road in Albury on March 24 – the same day as the Gold Cup.

He was tested about 11.20pm and found to have methamphetamine in his system.

The court heard Marshall – who was jailed for his role in a drug-dealing group in 2013 – had taken the drug a few days earlier during a period of relapse.

He had been given the substance by a friend.

Lawyer Mark Cronin said Marshall had told the officers he hadn’t used for “some days” prior to the drug driving test.

While he noted the 46-year-old had serious supply matters on his record, he also had an excellent driving history with a minor infringement in 2005.

This, he argued, meant a dismissal of the charges without conviction was appropriate.

Magistrate Erin Kennedy agreed and said he deserved a chance to prove himself in the community.

“You know it’s no friend of yours giving you those substances, no friend at all,” she said.

Marshall had been ordered to spend at least seven-months in jail in 2013 for his role in the drug ring, with a maximum of 18 months.

http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/4784406/former-cop-keeps-licence-after-ice-test/?cs=53

 

[poledriver]

Boxer Lauryn Eagle 'caught driving high on ice in her Audi Q5 SUV' after being pulled over by police - but her lawyer blames prescription drugs for the 'positive' reading

Lauryn Eagle has allegedly been caught driving under the influence of drugs
Ms Eagle allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine
Her lawyer Adam Houda denied suggestions his client had taken illicit drugs

Australian professional boxer and swimsuit model Lauryn Eagle has allegedly been caught driving under the influence of drugs in south Sydney.
Ms Eagle allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine, or ice, at a random drug test in Peakhurst.
She was stopped in a black Audi Q5 about 10am on Wednesday and was arrested, The Daily Telegraph has reported.

The 29-year-old was taken to Kogarah Police Station for further testing and was prohibited from driving for 24 hours, police told AAP.
Her lawyer Adam Houda denied suggestions his client had taken illicit drugs.
He blamed any potential positive reading on prescription drugs.

'She hasn't taken any illicit drugs,' he told The Daily Telegraph.
'Such a suggestion would not only be wrong, but also cruel and unfair.'
The maximum penalty for a first offence of driving under the influence is a $3300 fine and three months in jail.
In 2016 Eagle won the Australian super-featherweight boxing title.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4693806/Australian-swimsuit-model-Lauryn-Eagle-high-ice.html

 

[poledriver]

'Ice queen' dealer who sold $3.2million worth of meth, paid 'employees' with free rent and even gave drugs to her children is jailed for 10 years

Rebecca Teresa Castner was sentenced to ten years prison for drug trafficking
The Sunshine Coast woman, 41, sold more than $3.2million worth of ice
Castner sold more than 3kg of ice and even gave drugs to her three children
At the time of the drug bust, Police said it was the largest operation for the area

Cont -

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ed-gave-ice-children.html?ito=social-facebook

 

[poledriver]

Australian Federal Police

3 hrs ·

Everyone knows the only thing worse than airline food is prison food...

Police discovered an ambitious and desperate plan more likely to be found on the big screen, to bring $255 million worth of the drug 'ice' from California into Australia via light aircraft.

They had allegedly planned to fly across the Pacific into regional Victoria carrying 255kg of the drug.

Three men have been arrested in Australia.

We worked closely with the United States DEA to ground their plans. The drugs have been seized in California.

#NotSoFly #Grounded

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article -

http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/07/20/10/04/three-aussies-arrested-over-meth-seizure

 

[Jabberwocky]

Two people have been arrested and more than 370kg of ephedrine has been seized

Three million potential hits of ice off the streets after massive Port Botany drugs bust

POLICE say they’ve stopped three million potential hits of ice hitting the street after a seizing some 370 kilograms of ephedrine.

Two people have been arrested after a four-month long investigation sparked by the discovery of ephedrine in a sea cargo consignment by Border Force officers in March.

Investigations began in March this year after ABF officers targeted a sea cargo consignment, locating ephedrine concealed in a metal canister.

Another sea cargo consignment arrived in April carrying ephedrine concealed within wall tiles.

Following these detections, the ABF commenced Operation Accinge - a joint operation with the NSWPF Drug Squad to target the criminal syndicate responsible for these attempted importations.

As a result of the joint investigation, the ABF’s Sydney Container Examination Facility targeted a consignment believed to be linked to the syndicate, and located milking machines containing ephedrine hidden in silver foil packages.


Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...t/news-story/48496a1ede9a7bcbfbdd159f3d32daff

 

[poledriver]

Truckie did Ice-driving to deal with 140 hour week

A TRUCKIE caught behind the wheel of a B-double high on ice twice planned to use his considerable stash to cover dozens of upcoming work trips.

Darrin John Magnussen's defence team told a court relentless weeks on the road, stretching up to 140 hours, drove the 42-year-old to take the drug to stay awake.

Barrister Bronwyn Hartigan said Magnussen experienced constant pressure to cover more kilometres while working for multiple employers over a number of years.

However, Mackay Supreme Court Justice James Henry refused to place blame on the trucking industry, despite conceding the presence of some "rogue operators".

Magnussen fronted the court on Monday, pleading guilty to driving under the influence of methamphetamines at Carmila on March 8 last year and at Wacol in Brisbane on April 8 this year.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing about 20g of ice (14g of which was pure) on March 8, 2016 at Carmila and possessing an ice pipe on the same day.

Crown prosecutor Dane Marley said Magnussen's criminal and traffic history included possessing an unlicenced shotgun, multiple logbook offences and supplying ice.

Justice Henry described Magnussen's traffic history as "appalling", but said it was fairly common to see truck drivers with similar histories before the courts.

Mr Marley said on March 8 police caught up with Magnussen at a Carmila service station after another truckie reported he had swerved across the road.

This, according to Ms Hartigan, was because Magnussen was dodging a piece of steel on the roadway.

Nevertheless, Magnussen was drug tested, received a positive result and his truck was searched.

" ... in which police discovered two clipseal bags containing methamphetamines," Mr Marley said.

"The defendant told police the items belonged to him and he paid $5000 for the methamphetamines in Brisbane a few days prior.

"He said the methamphetamines were for his own personal use and he would use the scales (also found) to measure five points for his commute.

"On the defendant's own admitted use of the drug ... he had enough substance to last him the next 42 trips which he embarked on."

Mr Marley said Magnussen again tested positive for ice about a year later while behind the wheel of a truck.

Justice Henry noted during sentencing that while ice use can keep a person awake, it can also promote paranoia and aggression.

He put an increase in road rage in the general community in recent times down to a rise in ice use.

Meanwhile, Ms Hartigan, instructed by Morton Lawyers, described Magnussen as a married dad who'd been driving trucks since he was 18.

She said Magnussen, who was supported in court by his wife, had moved from Cardwell to Ingham for local work, rather than interstate driving, and had taken a front end loader job.

"He says over the course of his (previous) employment he has used methamphetamines as a tool to stay awake," Ms Hartigan said.

"He says that he felt the pressure to drive longer hours during the course of his employment for a variety of employers.

"Sometimes he would drive 100 to 140 hours per week. He says that urgency is often an issue in the transport industry ... it's common to feel that pressure to drive extra hours."

Ms Hartigan said Magnussen was remorseful and stopped interstate driving to halt the constant pressure and quit ice.

The barrister added Magnussen made admissions to police at the scene, that he was on a trial separation from his wife at the time and drug testing dated Friday showed he was clean.

Justice Henry said Magnussen had a good background, work history, family support and was rehabilitating, but described his behaviour as "deplorable".

He dismissed suggestions there was blame to place on the industry or Magnussen's employers and said individual truckies need to know similar conduct will be punished.

" ... it cannot be that it's impossible to drive professionally without methamphetamines," he said.

Magnussen was sentenced to two years jail, but was granted immediate parole.

He was also disqualified from driving for six months, fined $1700 and convictions were recorded.

https://www.northernstar.com.au/new...ng-to-deal-with-140-hour-work/3204238/?ref=hs

 

[poledriver]

Shock new data shows the number of Aussie methamphetamine users killed has doubled in six years

THE number of Australians killed as a result of methamphetamine use has doubled in just six years, shocking new data shows.
Professor Shane Darke from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre described the findings, released today in the academic journal Addiction, as a public health crisis.

His team examined 1649 fatalities linked to the illicit drug between 2009 and 2015 and found a mortality rate up to six times greater than the general population.
“I hear it occasionally said that the extent of the methamphetamine problem has been overstated, but I think this many identified cases over seven years shows we have a major problem,” Professor Darke said.
On average, each death represented 44 years of lost individual life, he said.

There are different types of methamphetamine, generally distinguished by their appearance and purity, and the drug crystal meth — commonly known as ice — is the most popular among users.
RELATED: Australian Federal Police ice bust makes history

Professor Darke found a “hidden danger” in meth-related deaths, in the form of damage to vital organs from even modest amounts of the drug.
In 22 per cent of cases, ‘natural’ disease like cardiac arrest or stroke were the common causes of death, Professor Darke said.

“Many users may be unaware that heart disease is a major factor in methamphetamine-related death.”

Current projections indicate there are about 300,000 regular users of meth across the country.
Popular perceptions centre on violence and while deaths from accident, misadventure and suicide are high, almost half of meth users perished from overdose.

“Basically, the person becomes unbearably hot and their temperature spikes. They have trouble breathing and they may fit.
“Even a very little amount can kill you — it can engender a heart attack.”

Cont -

http://www.news.com.au/national/sho...SF&utm_source=News.com.au&utm_medium=Facebook

 

[S.J.B.]

Shock new data shows the number of Aussie methamphetamine users killed has doubled in six years

Of course, the part they don't tell you is:

In the majority (82.8% ) of cases, substances other than methamphetamine were detected, most frequently opioids (43.1% ) and hypnosedatives (38.0% ).

 

[poledriver]

Million-dollar ice haul found in Rockhampton after police follow car into drive-through

About $1 million worth of ice has been found concealed under a car's floor panel after its owners pulled into a fast food drive-through for an early morning meal.

After receiving a tip-off, officers followed the car into the Rockhampton McDonalds to uncover the five kilograms of the drug about 4:00am.

Police dogs were allegedly able to find it hidden in a back compartment under the back seats.

Two Brisbane men, in their 30s, have been charged and are due to appear in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Peachy said the haul, worth about $1 million wholesale, is the most significant ever made in the region.

"We had an earlier find this year of a kilogram but for five kilograms to be found, this is huge," he said.

"It's the largest amount of drug I've seen in Rockhampton or in fact, any other place I've worked in regional Queensland.

"The amount of drug is very, very significant and we're very pleased to have gotten this ... before it hits the street."

Police said they were tipped off about a Toyota Kluger carrying illicit drugs.

"We'd received a certain amount of information and we were keeping an eye out for a certain vehicle," Senior Sergeant Peachey said.

"As a result we were lucky enough to find that vehicle going through the drive-through at McDonalds and as a result detain that vehicle and those persons in it."

Senior Sergeant Peachey said investigations were continuing into the men's intent and direction of travel.

"We estimate that it was probably about $900,000 that they probably purchased it for so street value is obviously far in excess of that so it's a very, very significant find."

Police said the two men were not known to police.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-...rganic&WT.tsrc=Facebook_Organic&sf102638751=1

 

[poledriver]

The real story of how ice is killing Australians isn't found in scary headlines

In the past few years, we have been going ice mad, and this is particularly visible in media reporting.

With headlines such as "Crazy behaviour of ice addicts: Woman chewed off toes, young boy gouged out eyes" in the Daily Telegraph, and "The zombie apocalypse is here and none of us are safe" in The Age, or a description of the importation of methamphetamine from China as a "tsunami" making its way here on a "wave of death boats", you'd be forgiven for thinking we're living in an episode of The Walking Dead.

We now need to ask ourselves — are we being entertained by other's suffering? Are we doing anything about the apparent ice crisis? Where does the truth lie?

Devil is in the detail

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre has released a paper today that found ice deaths have doubled since 2009. It found 1,649 "closed cases", or cases that have been examined by the coroner and found to have involved methamphetamine.

At first glimpse, it's something to be scared about. Like most things however, the devil is in the detail.

When we think of deaths involving ice, the images that may come to mind are the crazed ice user embarking on a drug-fuelled rampage, with innocent members of the community ending up as collateral damage. However, NDARC's report focused solely on the deaths of those actively using ice, not the average community member.

It found that the majority of deaths were a result of accidental overdose, which can result from consuming an excessive amount of the drug or a dose of extreme purity.
But this isn't the whole story.

Ice is a stimulant, and frequent use of stimulants severely stresses the heart. It is no surprise, then, that NDARC has reported cardiovascular disease to be involved in a fifth of the ice-related deaths it analysed.

Polydrug use — the use of several drugs at once — is another factor you won't necessarily read about in the media. The report found that in more than 80 per cent of ice-related deaths, toxicology reports found other substances aside from ice in the deceased's blood. These mainly included opioids and sedatives, but also psychiatric medications such as antidepressants.

Tough on crime doesn't work

So what can we draw from the NDARC report? Yes, ice deaths have doubled in a seven-year period, and this is definitely a cause for concern. However, the circumstances are often far from what is depicted in the media.

Public attention and concern is often focused on ice and violence, and death resulting from that, however you won't find much media interest in cases of natural disease and multiple drug toxicity.

The report also emphasised that in a majority of cases, those that had died lived outside major cities and most were not in treatment.

Perhaps we need to be focusing more on that, rather than a "tough on crime" approach.
Speaking of crime, what impact has ice had on rates of violent crime? A big one, according to the media. However, the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reports a recent downward trend in crimes such as robbery — down by 63 per cent since 2000 — which wasn't the case during the heroin crisis of the 1990s, arguably the last time we were this concerned about an illicit drug.

Further, the media tends to associate ice with other, scarier crimes such as assault and homicide, however ABS statistics show a decline in rates of physical assault between 2008 and 2015. Similarly, between 2000 and 2014 homicide rates have declined, from 1.6 per 100,000 of the population to just 1.

Matt Noffs is chief executive of the Ted Noffs Foundation and co-founder of Street Universities. Shelley Smith works in policy and research for the Ted Noffs Foundation.

Article contains links -

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-31/real-story-of-ice-deaths-isnt-found-in-headlines/8759918

 

[S.J.B.]

The real story of how ice is killing Australians isn't found in scary headlines

It's nice to see a more level-headed response to that Addiction paper.

 

[poledriver]

'I couldn't put the gun down – that would be weak': Psychiatrist's notes reveal twisted thoughts of $800-a-day speed addict at the centre of 2013 Brisbane mall siege – a month before he is freed from prison

Gunman who brought Brisbane to a standstill reveals thoughts from that day
Lee Matthew Hillier, 38, faced off with heavily armed police for 90 minutes 2013
Hillier revealed he thought police would laugh at him if he backed down
Father-of-three didn't want to be weak, saying was angry when realised still alive
Hillier revealed he first got into drugs at nine, eventually spending $800 a day

A speed addicted shirtless gunman who brought Brisbane's busy CBD to a standstill has revealed the thoughts running through his head during those terrifying moments.
Lee Matthew Hillier, 38, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail after facing off with heavily armed police officers at Queen Street Mall for 90 minutes before it ended with Hillier being shot.
The father-of-three brought an unloaded gun to the busy shopping strip, terrified shoppers and forced the centre to be evacuated on March 8, 2013.

Drug addicted gunman revealed he felt strong, thought police would 'laugh' if he put gun down

Hillier told police to shoot him while brandishing a gun, believed to be loaded at the time, before threatening to take his own life.
'[It is] just me in the centre, with the gun, and 10 police all around me,' Hillier told psychiatrist Dr Michael Beech in late 2013, according to Fairfax Media.
'It's gone out of control. I couldn't put the gun down - that'd be weak and police would know and they'd laugh.'

Not wanting to negotiate with police officers, but not wanting to hurt anyone either, Hellier revealed he turned to CCTV cameras to say goodbye to his kids.
Police shot at Hellier, who was angry when he realised he was still alive.

Court documents allege Hillier was spending $800 a day on amphetamines and was injecting himself up to ten times a day. His long history of drug abuse started when he first smoked marijuana at the age of nine.

After being clean for a month before the standoff with police, Hillier revealed to Dr Beech two months prior to the siege he shot off two of his fingers while drugged up.

'We all know I've got a drug addiction ... [they don't focus on] the good things that I've achieved whilst I've been in prison,' Hellier told court on Friday according to the publication.

Hellier is set to be released from prison next month.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ble-description-mall-siege.html#ixzz4p15JXVZf

 

[poledriver]

Victims meet offenders as part of Canberra's restorative justice program

Could you go behind bars to meet the shadowy figure who robbed you to feed his ice addiction?

Canberra woman Lisa Martin admitted she was excited by the prospect after her anger over the crime had faded.

Ms Martin, who works at a hardware store, said she was a "very trusting person" and would leave her handbag under a desk at work.

"It had been my little hidey hole for about four-and-a-half years," she said.

But earlier this year, CCTV cameras captured a shadowy figure, later identified as Anthony Catania, circling the unattended workstation.

"I had a bit of a rough trot on the ice and I started doing some crime to support my habit," Catania said.

Cont -

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-...rganic&WT.tsrc=Facebook_Organic&sf107744211=1